A dream comes true in New York as I go the full distance for the first time

When I crossed the finish line in Central Park, New York, on Nov 3 after running for almost four-and-a-half hours, it was the moment my dream came true.

It all started in February when my credit card was charged about $300 at midnight. But this was no fraud - I had been accepted for the 49th New York City Marathon.

However, a lot of effort is required to overcome numerous obstacles along the way and finally make it across the line.