Eddie Izzard

Thanks Eddie. Here I am navel gazing and getting all 'I'm training for a marathon in 6 months time' and you go and do 43 in 51 days with only 4 weeks of training.

This has affected me in many ways.

Firstly, you have knocked my navel gazing into a loop (for which I thank you). I know that you were as out of shape as me and even though you are 4 years younger it ain't a lot younger in the great scheme of things. If you can run marathons so can I.

Secondly, whenever anyone tells me I'm bonkers for even thinking of running one marathon I shall just direct them to you and your madness.

Thirdly, whenever I feel tired and a bit wimpy I shall think of you with your blistered feet, knackered legs and severe cramps and feel energised coz I ain't ever gonna feel as bad as you did.

But fourthly, and more than anything else, I shall take heart from the mind over matter that you must have exercised when hauling your sorry butt out of bed on day whatever for marathon number whatever.

This has been a real feet - oops feat - that fills me with awe and wonder. I don't know how long it will take you to get over this physical and mental challenge but it has filled me with hope for my mere 26 miler. And for this I thank you and hold you in even higher esteem than I ever did.