My coach won the Olympic Marathon trial in the heat of 1976 on an undulating course in Rotherham 2 hr 15. 423 starters 147 dnf. He said he would have to be scraped off the floor, rather than lose. Not many can put their money where their mouth is. He did.

Incredible athlete Barrington J Watson. Always prescribed getting the mileage in. Always his mantra...'get the miles in...twice a day...easy in the morning...go and flow in the evening..' Simple stuff.

He talks about his track work with much modesty. I'd just get on the track with Keith...run 3 x 3km in about 8.40s and run home...get up for work, then up in the morning for a run to work.

We always did 20 on a Sunday. Big group of us. It's just what we did. About 100 miles a week...sometimes more...sometimes less.

Big mileage gave me confidence. I knew if I could take 100 mile weeks to the line, I had a chance. Ron was doing it...Bedford more. I'd go on the track now and again to sharpen up...but for me it was always the icing on the cake.

Just extracts from many many conversations.

Jackie Brown was my coach initially and then Pirie. Pirie would prescribe a lot of running...but he was sensible. I used to do 3 x 5 miles. Each 5 miler quicker. Pirie said I'd talk my time when he saw me jogging prior to the games.

I struggled for selection. GB selectors just wouldn't pick me. In the end I followed Thompson and Ron and found out where they were racing. I learned a lot from that race period. I knew I'd have them in the trial.

I made it that they had no choice but to pick me. The only option I had was first passed the post. It was tough and towards the end I was getting caught by Jeff Norman but we hit the track and I heard my wife and daughter shouting out.