By six-thirty I was at the start with fourteen thousand other runners and by nine-thirty it was all over. I had run the most enjoyable half-marathon I have ever run, along the loveliest half-marathon course I know. At the end, as you can see, I was still fresh and more than ready for the wonderful post-race party in Battery Park (opposite the Statue of Liberty). So if you want my advice about the best preparation for a half-marathon I suggest sleeping in the park the night before.

Cheers!

Do it! You'd love it. More information about the New York Marathon (November) and results of the Half-Marathon from the New York Road Runners' website, nyrr.org.

Next time I'll answer some of your questions and reply to comments.

SOME USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
[Study suggestions: 1. Cut and paste the new vocabulary and expressions from the ten previous columns into one document and arrange them alphabetically, as a useful and more accessible reference source. 2. Write each new word or expression on a separate index card, with the definition and an example sentence on the reverse side. Use this pack of cards to test yourself (get a friend to test you with them).]

What on earth..?
An expression of amazed disbelief at someone's stupidity.

half-marathon
a running race of 13.1 miles/21 kilometres

an early night
If you decide to have an early night it means you plan to go to bed early or earlier than usual.

set the alarm
adjust an alarm clock so that it will ring at a particular time

sirens
warning devices, for example on fire engines, ambulances and police cars, which make a loud noise

domestic (noun)
a (usually violent) fight between a couple (e.g. husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend)

drunken
Drunken behaviour is clumsy, noisy, foolish and sometimes violent behaviour by someone who is drunk.

wandered
walked casually and aimlessly

deafening
so loud as to make you deaf (i.e. damage your ability to hear)

dawn chorus the singing of birds at dawn

 

'Bring' and 'take'
Look again at the fourth sentence: 'I'm taking nothing back which I brought with me.' It contains the two verbs, 'bring' and 'take'.

Remember, you should use 'bring' when you (the speaker) want to move an object towards you (the speaker) - for example, 'Please bring me that book from the table, I need to find something in it.'

Use 'take' when you (the speaker) want to move something away from you - for example, 'Please take that book away, I've finished with it now.'

Complete these sentences with the correct verb, 'bring' or 'take', in the correct grammatical form:

1. If you're going out I think you should __________ an umbrella. It looks like it's going to rain.
2. She always __________ me a bunch of flowers when she visits.
3. Our house was broken into last night but nothing valuable was __________.
4. I __________ too much luggage with me when I went on holiday last year.
5. They __________ me a lovely present from New York.

ANSWERS: 1. take 2. brings 3. taken 4. took 5. brought

WRITE TO STEPHEN

Thank you for sending your comments, this topic is now closed.

Muxina,Kazakhstan
Hello Stephan!Thank you for sharing with us your feelings about night at NY. It seems you spent wonderful time there. Though, I`ve never been to NY , but I can imagine life in big cities. But, it is good that you could find quite place for a rest. One thing I surprised is your condition. You slept only 4 hours, for me it is too short. Especially, if I have to run a marathon next day. Wish you good luck !!!

Bianca, Romania
Your story was very touching and well-written. It made me imagine every moment of your adventure. You depicted very beautifully the steps that eventually led you to victory.The words of the story were put down in a natural way,and I felt the enthusiasm and the passion of their writer. WELL DONE.

Voncy, Harbin, CHINA
hello! I am new here. Though it is the first time I come,I have learnt more. Thank you. By the way, you look very like my foreign teacher.

Kapil,India
hello,the narration of yours experience of half marathon in newyork town was awesome and has helped to improve my vocabulary and in the end a simple exersice about bring and take was addon.

Tajuddin,Indonesia
Its great story, hopely oneday I will be there at that garden

STAR, Thailand
hello everybody, the first time I go to this site and then I will see this site everyday. I want to improve my english langauge such as reading and writing. I would like to learn the word from you story and like to read for my language is develop. Sometimes I used english not so good cause I have a promble a sound of english and use the Grammar not so true. I try to get everything form this site for improve my english and I will write to Stephen everyday. I think I can do good reading and writing in someday Hello Stephen, This story today I can understand and can guest some word. I think you are very happy with the thing you can do. I want to learn about you story and happy when I read it that make me happy on my face. thank you Stephen.

Grand,Indonesia
Well, Stephen, need lots of guts to sleep in the park at night. You rock, guy!! Or nutter?? I give you four thumbs up running over kilometers for I can't do that. You look so happy in picture that I believe gunshot,fire,robber or whateva it is won't prevent you from taking part in marathon.Even the gunshot remind you of running itself..Bang..You run...

Andrea, Slovakia
Hi Stephen and all readers,I have been visiting this column since April this year and I absolutely love it. Thank you for writing this column, It is helping me so much to improve my English language skills. I would like to thank to my teacher Nick from Melbourne for reading these articles with me and helping me to master the language ability and corecting my writting. BTW:this is a great learning option; to combine Stephen`s articles and an English speaker in person. Unfortunetely I am leaving Australia very soon.

Yaroslava, Ukraine, Slavuta town
Hello, Stephen! I've read your article about the wonderful night you've spend in Central Park. All those amazing feelings, silence of sleepy city (sometimes not always), greatness of moment of totally piece... I really share them with you. Oh no, I've never been to New York, never visited Central Park and other places in this city, but while reading your article I felt that I was there, wandering through the Park, listening to the music of its special life, sleeping on the bench and dreaming about... About what may dream the person like me? About beauty, happiness, smiles (a lot of smiles on the faces of people which very often forget to make them alive). About dreams...Thank you for a drop of real romance which your article have brought in our life. Thank you for the feeling of the Night of Silence. Good luck to you, Stephen.With respect, Yaroslava.

Pasan , SriLanka
Hi Stephen. This is the first time i am writing to you.I went through your columns,amazing! Everything you mentioned was clear to me.so,it inspired me of learning English.I hope you are having a great time after the marathon and like to hear you with an awesome story.

Alice, Shanghai, China
Hi,Stephen, how wonderfully you shared the exciting life with us! Meanwhile you expended the new words' meaning for us, for example, 'domestic' I've never heard of its funny meaning for fighting within couples, i remember it at once! Also I can easily understand the article by your simple but interesting sentences, if some day i could write my own diary like you, how i would be excited! In the comments i found some from China, they are interested in English like me, curious about the life in other countries, their culture, their people. I feel no lonely at this time...

Anita, Slovakia
Hello Stephen! I hope you are back in England safe and sound. You are sitting in a comfortable chair in your cosy house and sipping a proper cup of tea while you are reading this comment. I am sure; you enjoy Lucy’s company, as always, and you are both happy because you have received very good news about Lucy’s final examinations, A-levels. Am I right? I had no doubt that you will run the half-marathon in NY. Congratulations! However, I do not really like the idea of sleeping in Central Park. What did Lucy have to say about that? Actually, I can imagine… The pictures are beautiful! Pictures truly are worth a thousand words. I am also curious to know more about gambling. Did it turn out a success? I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Best wishes,

Carmen, Spain
Hello Stephen! I'm an English teacher and next time I practise the present perfect with my students I'll have two more questions:-Have you ever slept on a park?-Have you ever run a marathon?Thanks for writing.

Alexander L. Yekaterinburg Russia
Thank you Stephen for an interesting story. I don't want to repeat others saying what a helpful, brilliant, amaizing, wonderful, useful, etc your blog is.But still what was your result in this half - marathon ?

Nganga, Kenya, Nairobi
Hello it is my first time on this site. I am working on a project which require good skills in report writing. Please help. Otherwise I appreciate the good work thatis being done at this site.

Maria, Greece
Dear Stephen, I have been reading your columns since April and I very much enjoy it. Your writing is really marvellous. Every Monday I am checking news letter from bbc to see if you have a new entry! Please, write more often...Thank you - bye bye :)

Lucy,Russia,Sakhalin island
I have completely fallen in love with you. I am fascinated by your attitude to life and people.And I am a bit envious of your girlfriend.

Evelin, Estonia
Hello Stephen ! :) I have read all your columns and I have always seriously enjoyd them. This time too. It´s so nice to read your descriptions about different sides of city´s life and which was your coldblooded preparation in Central Park for your half-marathon. You have the strong nervous system, indeed! By the way, I believe that all readers of your columns had crossed fingers for you and obviously this was one of the reasons too why you were successful. Congratulations!In one of your earlier columns you asked which are the favorite words of English learners.I like English words with end -maker: shoemaker, moneymaker,cabinetmaker, troublemaker etc.These words make me laugh and get inspiration to create new words inEnglish - for example: happinessmaker.(A person who does something that makes himself/herself or somebody else feel happy. I see you like the happy man after half-marathon on your blog´s photo ).How do you like such discoveries-new words in English language? Am I surprisemaker or headachemaker? Have you like an English teacher already fainted or are you in the seventh heaven?I´m looking forward to your colums. All the best! :)

Harpreet Singh, India, Ludhiana
Hope u will continue this activity next year also, and will look as fresh as u r in photo.

Mirek, Poland
Hello, It is my first statement on this site. I would like to know if those girls just behind you also participated in the race. They look very fresh and in fantastic mood. You look quite good too:-))

Anand Das, India, Mumbai
Hi Stephen, I am Anand, I must confess I am not sure if I am at the right place with the right question, but I will try. I am working on a very small project which aims at identifying the use of the Hampshire accent. I want to understand if this accent is used very commonly. If not what are the other accents that are used or spoken there. I would like to appreciate the good work that is being done in this paticular site, Thanks and regards Anand Dasanand.

ZSawkmie, Shillong, Northeast India
Hi Stephen, Its nice to learn English through stories and reports.The way you did is excellent and I've learnt a lot of new phrases and new vocabularies.

Addeax
er, that's funny. You must run now, because the tube is closed. :-) Or can you pay the city fee for a car?

Addeax
You're telling us some jokes, don't you? Nobody can be so crazy to sleep on a bench in Central park. Even if there all possible worst things happen in the neighbourhood someone can imagine. I'm afraid you've had only a bad nightmare or so. Or you want to entertain us a little. On the other side, who would dare to stabbing a guy like you? And dressed with a running gear? Each potential murderer wouldn't trust his eyes. Thinking by himself that must be a nightmare. However, congratulation for participating by that run! Nothing for me. But if you like it...Welcome back to Europe!

Mavis, Hong Kong
How dare you are!I adore the adventure but unfortunately I have limit to do such these exciting thing.You know, if you sleep outside in the park at night in Hong Kong, you will wake up with coins aside you, hahaha...but only coins I could say.Anyway, ths for your sharing!

Muhammad Bilal Afzal, Pakistan
Hello STEPHEN.You are going a great job by doing all that .

JOHN,BNAGLADESH,Narayanganj,Nagbari
Nice tutorial.Good job.

Sara ,Saudi Arabia
Hi Stephen, I'm one of the readers of your column. I'm so happy when I can understand every word ( except new) it gives me confident to learn English more and more.could you tell me the best way to learn new words and phrases?

Yvonne , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dear Stephen,it is the first time I read your column and it's great! Today in Rio has happened the XI Half Matathon of Rio de Janeiro. I used to participate and I still miss that time! Now looking at you picture ... Who knows I'll be running in the XII?By the way, what was your time running?Congrats for completing the running! When you have time, come to Rio to run our Marathon or Half Marathon. From now on I'll read your column. Bye.

Simon,China
Wow!Your heard a gunshot at midnight in New York,that's really horrid.Do people there feel scared while they are walking on the street.Maybe a bullet would fly straight towards you from no where.By the way,I'm wondering if guns and other weapons are banned in Britain?

João Emiliano, Brazil - Belo Horizonte - Minas Ger
Really great your written, congratulations and keep doing on this way!!!!

Nazmul,Dhaka,Bangladesh
Hi,Stephen,really you wrote an articlewhich is worthful for learners.keep it up

Eva,China
Hi Stephen,the story starts from the places i was familiar with and went there just a few months before.I also start to like your story and look forward to reading your next.Cheers!

Anita, Hungary
Congaratulation!Wow,you are really fit!I'm not really good at running. I run 5km in the summer at a running festival and next day I hardly could walk.

Victoria, the Netherlands
Hey Stephen,Congrats for the nice discovery! so now I will try to find a nice park where to sleep before any marathon or exam probably!Good luck with your packing and welcome back to Europe.

Sobhan Babu, India
Very useful facility. Really helping people like me. I use confuse while using these verbs. Thank u verymuch.

Shabbir Shaikh, India, Gujarat, Ahmedabad
Dear Mr. Keeler,I read your column regularly. It's quite interesting and informative. I have learnt a lot from your columns and it has definitely helped me a lot to improve my language skills. However, If you don't mind, I have got some suggestions, which may please be taken into consideration. There are a lot of French words that have become part of the English language. I would like you to throw some light on this aspect, particularly the pronounciation of these words. With kind regards,Shabbir Shaikh,Ahmedabad (Gujarat - India)

DEEPAK RATNANI, INDIA ,DELHI
Hello sir, i am new in this column.this is the perfect way to learn english speaking.it is done good job.

Chit Swe, Myanmar, Yangon
Dear Stephen,I am one of readers from your column and very happy to read it. It's very helpful for me as an English learner to improve my english. I am just start reading since last month it's feel me great. Regards.Chit

Indu, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Hi Stephen!!!, I recently started to learn English through BBC. So I down loaded your recent 10 columns to read. your article about English learning methods is very encouraging. So I want to add some of my ideas to it, even it is too late to reply for that article. I am already a member of British council library and I read Englsh books and news papers when ever i have time, and I am listning to a English radio channel while I am working at my work place. I found another method to improve English, I dont know weather you agree with it, but I found it is interesting. It is translation. Translate stories from native language to English and the other way. Once I did this with a English novel, found it is interesting and continued it. I found lot of new words with it. But for me the problem is grammer. I am very poor on it. I paid less attention on that even when I was at school. ( English is a compulsary subject in our school syllabus.) Most of our degree programmes conduct in English. We follows British system here. Recently some of the private institutes started American and Australian system of Education. But still the government universities folows the British system. so we have to sit for A/Ls as your daughter Lucy do. Give my best regards to her! Bye.

Gary, China
Hi, Stephen, reading your column and sharing your experience have become part of my life in the office, your stories bring so many people around the world together, i believe everybody enjoy reading them and we are grateful to you.

Ana, Poland
Hi, Stephen, I’ve just realized that you ran over 20 kms – that’s really incredible!!! In addition you look so fantastic (by the way – light blue seems to be your colour:)). How about Escalera? Did she survive those more or less ignoring relations with a stranger who declares himself as not animal person?. Best,

Marianna, Slovakia
Hi! You´ve survived! What lucky are we finding the race itself was any difficult task for you. Excelent! Any pain and mortification but about two hours of pleasure you dedicated and did for us, I assume. Should I write then about some experiences as a runner that there readers can really get to know something about the pain? My pain when I want to move with my body now! Don´t be affraid, the idea to start running (since this Monday) occured me yet befor you mentioned the Half-marathon in your previous post. You know, I get out of the flat and stay direct at a forest on my right side and the lake, hills, meadows, fields and a brook on the left. Upwards, above the main road the steep ski-track parts the hill on the area with noble houses and colony of block of flats. The view on our village is amazing each time of the year! With the first hot summer days I make my bed on the loggia (the higgest floor) and sleep the tropical nights over there almost like Fishermen by shimmering lights down around the lake... But more often there are overnoisy diskos and wedding parties in a fashionable restaurant by the lake these days which spoil almost each pleasure to live there...and I drive asleep to my parents house as a mad..Today Peter want to see us before he leaves on Monday for his university studies. Best wishes and good luck!

M.K.Bharathi, Chennai, India
Dear Stephen
While surfing the BBC portal I stumbled upon your column, and found it very interesting and thought provoking. I was very much absorbed into your article and really liked the way you have started it. Keep up the good work, you have one more fan following the trail.

Anil k Ray,Department of Germanic & Romance Studie
Hello Sir! Im new here. I like the way you teach English. Thanks & God bless you. anil k ray

Anh , VIETNAM
Hello Stephen. I like to read your colums. It's very interesting. I'd would like to ask you a question. Is there any insect bite you when you were sleeping in the Central Park?

Allah Bakhsh, Pakistan
That is really good and comprehensive way to make someone at hoime in English, Thanks,,

Reader, Nepal
I always find your colum very simple and interesting. I have learnt so many words but am still confused about would have to. I can not use this word properly, so please write a colum about it.

Amir Yousef, Iran
Hi, I really enjoyed your fantastic written. Congratulation. Your new experience and great description encouraged me to visit new york. Best wishes, Amir Yousef

M.H. Kang, S.Korea
I envy you. Someday I wanna try that like you. and your colum is very helpful for studying English.

Mika, Japan
Good job,Stephen!!I was very excited when I was reading your colum.I think I will lie on a bench in Central Park when I am going to New York someday,,,Of course in day time(^^)!You have very nice smile after the race!Thank you for giving me a wonderful time!I'm looking forward to your next colum.

Silwal Kishor, Nepal
Hi Stephen,Whenever I read your column, I start to think I should write something about your column but is unable to write lack of confidence or proper idea what to write. This time I tried my best to write something. When I read your column, I got an idea if someone is determined to do, one can succeed. Whole night disturbance can not hinder you to take part in half marathon and make you success in completing race. I started to read your column from last two months. I found it really helpful to continue reading habit and start think about writing at least a paragraph. Congratulation, you succeed in half-marathon

Monica, Brazil
Dear Mr Keller,
I´ve been making several interesting discoveries about you, dear British virtual pal, just by reading your columns. And I must admit they all seemed normal revelations till yesterday. Firstly, you´ve proved yourself to be a very sweet, funny and witty dad. Lucky, Lucy. Secondly, I also see you as a daring climber who can not be put off even by the impenetrable jungle of Kilimanjaro Mount. Brave guy! Thirdly, you give the impression of being an avid film and exhbition-goer.That´s good it shows that you are an intellectual bloke! Forthly, you are a New York lover, preferably with no Escalators! As I´m not a cat-lover either, that taste of yours sounds quite reasonable really. Fithly, you also strike me as a very efficient apartment-sitter. Next time if I need someone to look after mine I know who I can rely on. Sixthly, that you are a perfect, fit athlete.It means you´ll probably live up to the age of 100 which means you still have lots of marriage prospects! But my friend I have never ever suspected that you could one day DARE PLAY THE ROLE OF A BRITISH HOMELESS IN NEW YORK! Sorry to say but that looks absolutely insane! If I were your mum I´d have told you off! Lucy, where are you? Does he have a mum? Have you seen the latest of your naugthy dad? Here in Brazil,you would be called a dare devil! So please, my adventurous friend, always remember not to ever dream of doing such a thing in Brazil (cities like Rio, São Paulo) cause you maybe putting in risk not just your neck! So don´t hesitate on knocking on my door, I´d happily and friendly find you a safe place to rest. Love, Monica
Ps TAKE CARE AND BEHAVE YOURSELF!

Gaga,Georgia,Kytaisi
Hi Stephen,you are craze

Janee, Bangkok
Your story isn't too hard to understand. I would say it make me cheer up in English lesson again after I had quit for a while. I will keep trying. Thank you so much.

Kirsti, France
Hello, Stephen.What do you say? Fire, gunshot, drunken fight. When at last things happen that need someone to take care of the apartment you are running away! Just kidding.

G.Sri Harsha, Kakinada, India
I completed the five sentences you gave to test our grasping of the diffence in usage of bring and take. The sentences were well framed to bring out the diffence in usage of the two verbs bring and take.Congrats.

Adriana, Brazil
Hello Stephen. You are really brave not only for the marathon but the fact that you had slept in the Central Park... Gosh, I would never do that, I think. When you've written "The next thing I remember is my watch alarm ..." I thought you would say"...being stolen". Lucky you! Kisses

Q, Vietnam
Hello Stephen. I really like your essay, I can't image that you've spend time on a wonderful trip like that. Congratulate you on winning the "Marathon competition". I hope you will bring us more and more interesting news about your expedition -^^-

Yuriko, Japan
Hello!Stef. At first time I found your colum so long, I wondered whether I can read it through. But when I began to read it, being very interesting, I've forgot time and read it through. I also like "write to Stephen" because I can feel there are a lot of people learning English all over the world. I am very happy to know what they think. I thank your column deeply to meet me with "my comorade". I've learned a lot from your word "If you find the trouble, the trouble will find you." I will try to take things better.Congrats! for your marathon. You're wonderful. I respect for your challenge spirits. And I have the same question as Jill has. I'm looking forward to your answer. Thank you and keep writing.

Yeliz,Turkey, Bursa
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your shareing. I'm going to improve my english expecialy reading your column. Regards Yeliz

Ana, Liu, Shanghai, China
Wow! I enjoy jogging but never participate in any long course running races. I'm afraid that I can not finish the whole racce. I have never slept outnight not to mention in a park. Sleeping outside is dangerous especially for woman. If I have the chance go to N.Y. maybe I will try once in the central park.

Lenin, India, Bangalore
I learnt basics things of using a word take & bring.

Ryan, Shanghai, China
Similar the easy expression just like ever read your column feeling. I like your life style Stephen. I think keep usual sport is a very good habit for improve your health in your life. I also enjoy the happiness from the sport exercises. Last week I had gone to play the basketball in the public park but now I feel my muscle very acid and pain becase of un-moving long time. Haha ,I like your article and column, easy to learn and easy to know. Bring and take's different is very detail explaination and useful i will keep in my mind. Right now i am waiting your next surprise for us.

Xavier, Barcelona, Spain
Really incredible. If I were there, suffering the same problems I'd lose my nerves. Congratulations!

Kelechi Nwankwo, Nigeria - Umuahia, Abia state
I will like to study pure English with you. So as to improve my vocabulary. I will also like to know you the more;i think you can move me ahead.thanks alot.

Betty, Poland
Congratulations Steven! It is the first time I am visiting this website and I am pleasent with the way you are talking about events, people etc. On the other hand your adventure is very original and surprising. I am sure that you are going to make next "strange" things in your live and I am supporting you. Good luck Steven!!Best regards

Jill Huang, Beijing
Hey, Stephen. Still remember me? I think I’ve missed so many colourful stories about your life in New York. Fortunately, I didn’t miss you special night sleeping in the Central Park. But what the hell is wrong with your neighbourhood? I don’t mean to be rude. But didn’t they know that you had an important race the next day? You should have told them and asked them be quiet. Is there anything more important than providing a peaceful night to let Stephen sleep sound? If I’m your neighbour, I will keep quiet if you need so. :) Whatever, you found a great place instead. What a lovely park. Let me tell you a true story. When I was still in the school, one of my roommates stayed at the dormitory in a summer holiday. There was a construction team just outside the window. The sound, I’m pretty sure, it was as deafening as that night around you, and she had something wrong with her hearing after living there about 5 days. It’s terrible. I hate noises especially in the midnight. Stephen, in the end of your blog, you left us some exercises. I have only one question. The fourth one, why you used ‘took’, not ‘brought’? In my opinion, the luggage was with me when I was on holiday. I brought them with me, didn’t I? If I use ‘brought’, it’s wrong or improper? I’m a little bit confused. Can you answer me next time? Thanks in advance. Good luck with your journey to home. By the way, the picture you took before / after the race, it’s great! You look healthy and powerful! Cheers! Jill.

Tulip, Bangkok Thailand
Hello Stephen! Im new here. I like the way you teach English. Thanks. Tulip

Otakar, Czech Rep.
Hello Stephen! Thank you for your interrested story. This is my first letter in english. I am 58 years old. I learn english at home after work. Best regards. Ota

Wong,Singapore
Hello Stephen !What a great experienced you had.I like the way that you were so free and easy .I just found this interesting learning website.I will try to learn from you and improve my English.Looking forward to see you again.Thanks for your shareing.

Jihui, Beijing
Hello Stephen! nice to meet you. I'm a Korean girl working in Beijing. I read your column for the first time today. I like your title and it reminded me of my favorite novel, Moon Palace.The character of the novel used to slept in the park. Of course for different reason from yours. I hope to read your column soon.See you!with warmest regards, Jihui Son

Indu, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Hello Stephan!! congrats on your marathon. it sounds very interesting. I learnt a lot from your columns. I am really weak in grammer, so I can learn a lot from this. So thank you very much for writing the column and I wish you could continue this with lots of your adventures and experience in travelling.

Ana Paula, Brazil
Hi Stephen!Wow!!! What a adventure you´ve had in New York! And I´m really glad to see you´ve survived the half-marathon :-). I knew you would it. Congrats! You don´t even look tired in the photo. I think I´m going to follow your advice and sleeping in the park. However, firstly I´ll need to train for running in a half-marathon( Actually I´ll need to train a lot. Would you like to be my coach Stephen, uh? :-) ). Anyway, I´m very curious to know how the things were in Atlantic City. Have you won any money, haven´t you?;-) Well I´m looking foward to reading your next column. All the best, Ana Paula.

Colombia
I think that is an interesting article because it´s contain differents somethins for learning vocabulary and This dynamics are most important for learn English.

Cylaine, Florianopolis, Brazil
Hi Stephen
It surprised me your comment about safety in New York. I thought by now the city was a safe place to be as I come from a place where safety is a matter of worry in everyone´s life. Anyway, we could feel you enjoyed your stay. Keep writing, it is always nice to read your comments.

Silvia Ruiz - Lima, PERU
I enjoy a lot with readings like yours, I love fitness and all related with sports. Your history is nice I am confident that you do what you like thus no matter where you are because you are happy that is the most reward of the life. I would like to participate in this marathon, I will do my best to do it. God bless you. Silvia

Geovane, Brazil
Everything that helps me to learn English is wonderful.

Zahid, Afghanistan
I likes bbc english learning, because it is very important and gives us the ability of speaking.

Francesco Azzarelli, Sicilia
There was my father with a ironic behaviour in everything he got or said. Now I like a lot one's and help me to understand reading or listening with delight. You write and live how I love it, with a pleasure seeking. I'm training to learn English on the same way. A Greater thank you. You are a really Teacher (for me).

Analu Lima - Brasil - Curitiba - South
Hi Stephen, I appreciated your column. I'm learning English and it's help me a lot. In my opinion you like to spend time watching people, their behavior that's great. My favorit word in English is "amazing". God crreated an amazing place for us live. Good luck boy, Analu

Antonis, Crete, Greece
Hello Stephen!! Congratulation for your participation in such a big event. It’s unbelievable but I also have the same troubles before a race. I’ve been cycling for many years and a every time I have a race, something happens the previous night so that I can’t sleep. I am very grumpy in the morning but finally as far as the race is concerned everything goes quite well. Anyway. Tell us about the A level results of your daughter. See you. Antonis

Maria, Russia
Hi, Stephen! I am really glad to hear from you again. Your night before the Half-Maraphon was extremely crazy. I didn`t know NY is such a noisy city. But all those sirens caused by fires-fights-domestics-gunshots etc. - I suppose it was Murphy`s law. Anyway, all well that ends well!
P.S. I guess, you`re packing your suitcase eagerly - have you missed London much?Looking forward to hearing from you again.Maria

Safwan, Iraq
Hello Steven
After all the adventures you have experienced in NY Will you travel to NY again ????In my opinion I dont think so. Especially after your last nigth it was full of weird and funny stuff and as a result ended sleeping in Central Park. An advice from a friend please don't do it again it's dangrous. I am looking forward to your next column Best wishes. Safwan

Pilar, Spain
Hello Stephen! I'm happy to see that your adventure in the marathon has been a success. I used to go jogging twice a week,but the last two months I've been a bit lazy and I hadn't gone. So, I have decided is time to start again!!!Thanks! Maybe it isn't only my English which I'm going to improve reading your column, it's my health too!!!!Best Regards

Iza, Poland
Hello Stephen. Congratulations! I knew your participation in N.Y. Marathon will be your personal success.I admire your extraordinary physical fitness and determination.After reading the description of your 'night adventures' I still wonder how it was possible that you weren't robbed in Central Park. I think you were extremely lucky. Probably some supernatural power ( or God as you wish ) took care of you at that moment.It was really nice to read your interesting column again. I am looking forward to the next one. See you. Iza