From the nerves of taking on your first big race to embracing crowd support - and the dangers of service station Chinese, what makes or breaks a great half-marathon?

For everyday runners there is far more in play than achieving the perfect splits or knowing which miles to pop your gels at.

Whether navigating the pressure of simply getting to the start line, trying to employ a nutrition strategy that won't end in stomach disaster, finding the bag drop area, or trying to remember why you're doing this in the first place, there is plenty to think about.

On Sunday, Michelle and Craig ran the Bristol Half-Marathon, and in this podcast they outline not only how they got on, but the plusses and minuses of a big city event.

They also meet their friend and uncertain runner, Craig Dowding, a first time half-marathoner with a sub-two hour time on his mind. Will Craig be able to guide him to his dream time?

This is a different episode from what we normally do, but it nevertheless explores what makes running so special, how people can achieve more than they expect by embracing the sport, and asks why thousands of runners take to the streets on a Sunday morning when they could be tucked up in bed...

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