This book is not about breaking records and winning medals. It is about the joys and experience of running for fun at home and in different countries. It illustrates how it is possible to run big city marathons over the weekend and on a limited budget and still meet the locals and take in some of the sights. It is also about the fun in running local events in all weathers. I have commented on my personal training program and how it has changed over the years. The book is part biographical and I have not hesitated to give my thoughts and reflections on issues that include: war, national...

Every person has an interesting life story to tell and I do not claim that my story is unique. I write about my experience of living alone with my grandmother on an Irish farm and why it shaped my national identity. My life-changing move to London and the need to become street wise and still make it to university is covered. I describe how my debating exploits at school and university got me an invitation to The House of Lords and how I met my future wife, and entering a grammar school for the very first time as teacher. My passion for comprehensive education, more enlightened science...

Every person has an interesting life story to tell and I do not claim that my story is unique. I write about my experience of living alone with my grandmother on an Irish farm and why it shaped my national identity. My life-changing move to London and the need to become street wise and still make it to university is covered. I describe how my debating exploits at school and university got me an invitation to The House of Lords and how I met my future wife, and entering a grammar school for the very first time as teacher. My passion for comprehensive education, more enlightened science...