The lucky prize – a short triathlon distance with problems in the water. Blood in my spit, sore throat where running became almost impossible.  

The marathon where my love came along and all records were broken. The hotel that had got even worse, but an alternative was found. Night train, visit to an old bank and a prison full of torture instruments. Massage with subsequent issues, warriors of clay and a cosy school visit.  

The beach holiday that prompted substantial weight loss. Destiny led to a reunion with a former acquaintance. Introduction to a sport associated with encounters, companionship and assignments.  

The Chinese maraton with a injury and the company of a guardian angel. Tale of the wild card and a special running number on the day Mr Great Wall got his name. The trip when good and bad service were part and parcel of the experience. Of the rice brandy I never should have drunk […]

Trip by car to the low country with dams, windmills, clogs and tulips. Impressions from the red light district and coffee shops. The chip that got lost and impressions of the Olympic Stadium. The marathon I never should have run, when my body told me to stop and many months of no running because of […]

An adventurous run with a Chinese débutante, learning a lesson about the body’s limitations. If you don’t listen you must feel, and the fear of poor health bringing everything to a halt. Voyage to a neighbouring country where the marathon was run by a stand-in.  

Three disciplines in one day. 97 kilometres in bathing trunks, on a bike and wearing running shoes. Discovering just how difficult it is to switch from one discipline to another and the relief of avoiding punctures.  

Tour guide in my own town. Returning a favour to fantastic Chinese host. The day on which I learned that the inevitable is not so inevitable after all. Pleasurable evening out with music in the park and a boat trip on the beautiful Fjord.  

A marathon from town to town on Zealand, through magnificent countryside and woodland and along three beaches. A wonderful marathon with some incredible views, with the summer weather showing off Denmark at its best.  

The ash cloud that nearly put paid to a fantastic tradition. Marathons two weekends in succession – both on home turf, sort of. The traditional Chinese marathon one weekend followed by one in my own capital the next, after an all-night wedding reception.