I ran the New York Marathon on 7 November 2011.  I have discovered it takes longer to setup a charity weblink for an event in the past (c. 4hrs), than it does to run 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York (3hrs 39 minutes).

Usual war stories apply - distinct lack of training, sore feet, hours spent shivering on start-line at 7am etc. etc.

I am raising money for Greenhouse - a fabulous and deserving charity who help under-privileged children through arts and sport.  They secured more places for my wife's law firm than there existed runners, hence the helpful spouse who stuck his hand up.

To the reams of advice that have been written on running marathons I'd add not doing one six months after your second-born arrives or seven months after you break your toes - both inhibit preparation.  However, on the upside, Heathrow terminal 5 will sell you prescription painkillers without a prescription on your journey out to New York if you look sufficiently mournful.

Please dig deep - I said I'd raise £2K and now I've done it there's no risk I back-track...