'Marathon running has an almost masochistic attraction, it is a question of how far can you push yourself. I feet that I can accept more pain than the average person; I have learnt to, over the years, physically and mentally.' Jim Alder, reigning champion of the Commonwealth Games, describes his thoughts and feelings about Marathon running, and how it has affected his life. In the end it is a question of how hard you drive yourself, and for sheer guts and dogged perseverance Jim Alder will take a lot of beating in the Commonwealth Marathon Championship in Edinburgh on Thursday.