At 18, 1 competed in my first marathon in Dublin, Ireland. At that time, I was an excellent 400-meter runner at high school, but got it into my head that I should try the longer distance to prove that I was really good at running-and what better than the marathon.

Back then, the running craze hadn't quite heated up to the point it has today and running a marathon was unknown to most people. Besides, I never knew anyone who had actually run a marathon.

On the way from England to Dublin, I was wondering what I was getting myself in two days later when the race would begin. I tried to get some sleep to ease my nerves, but I found it hard.

The race day was somewhat cloudy, but the warmth of the people forced away the clouds. My limited memories from that first race remain: the feeling of running through a tunnel (隧道) of people as the crowds lined beside the streets; the cheers from the crowds as the news came that an Irishman had won the race; what's important, the unbelievable kindness of the crowds cheering me on as I hit the wall and tried to struggle through. Eventually, I didn't get the prize, but I never gave up and regarded it as a success because I challenged myself

After my first marathon, I started a website based on my love for running. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or just an interested passer-by, I invite you to participate in the website and make it your home. Runners and particularly marathoners seem to share common ideals. They're part of a global team and a global community.