My friends Sean French and Nicci Gerrard are running in today’s London marathon. I get tired just thinking about it. Nicci is one of the wonders of the world. She manages to combine being a terrific mother, a generous host, a great journalist, a best-selling novelist (in collaboration with Sean) and an inspired cook. Two years ago, she broke her back in a riding accident. Now she’s racing round London. Ye Gods!

Update: They both finished in just under four hours (3:58:50)!