In 1994 I started running long distances. First marathons, then ultra marathons. That was before my diagnosis of testicular cancer. I was shocked by the diagnosis but decided to use my running as a way for fighting for life. I was determined to go back into the sport as soon as possible after surgery. I was highly motivated, and even trained the night before my operation.

I'm 54 years old but I've been told I look about 20 years younger. People often ask me about my success at my age. I came to the sport quite late, so it's possible I'm not as worn out as I might have been had I done it in my 20s. In a year, I might do about five ultra races, spread out to one every two months, because you have to recover properly. I'm training about 14 to 16 hours a week including weight training, flexibility work, swimming, cycling, and running, but I always take one day off. After a race, I have seven days of complete rest and get back into training gradually.

In my day to day eating I try to eat a lot of unprocessed food and I am really careful with the timing of my meals. Protein bars can be a convenient way of eating straight after exercise. The best time to eat is within 30 minutes of stopping exercise. I'd be looking for two-thirds carbohydrates and one-third protein.

I'm quite disciplined most of the time but I do have weaknesses, especially for Kit Kats. In the past I have eaten mashed potatoes and ice cream during the races, but nowadays I drink liquids only, because I was find it more effective - a very simple way of taking in nutrition. I drink between 400 and 600 millilitres of fluid in an hour, and between 20 and 30 grams of carbohydrates in the same period.

On the first day of the race, it's carbohydrates only, from the second day onwards I will add some protein. Afterwards, I'll eat like a horse for 10 days.

Usually I take a nap after lunch. I got used to powernapping during the 20 minutes rest allowed every four hours of a four-day race. To care for my legs I elevate them slightly by putting a cushion under my feet which helps prevent swelling. I haven't had any difficulties with my legs as I've built up to this state gradually over many years.

When I moved from 100km races to a 24 hour, then 4-day, and then 6 day races I've trained my body to get used to the stress. Sometimes I get a blister or or lose toenails - to recover I'll take in plenty of protein and energy. But I'm a fanatic about my foot care before and after the race, plus half an hour once a week at least for a full check-up because I'm very conscious that my feet are the tools of my trade. So I look after the nails and the skin to keep the feet in good condition.

I've got a team of people that help me - a coach, a phyical therapist, my general local practitioner - and I receive cardiopractic treatment. My family supports me a lot. They enjoy the success, and when things go wrong, they help to pick up the pieces.