Is using a gym beneficial

In terms of specfically trying to improve strength in your legs - running up hills with do this.  You don't need to do killer hill sessions though (at first anyway) - just make sure there are a few on your normal route.

You also cannot beat squats and lunges for leg strength and push ups for your core and arms - you don't need a gym for any of those.

Taxi Driver: I have a 10k coming up at the end of March. So far I have done 5.5 miles but it's a flat course so I have no doubt I can't push myself up to 6. I also have a half marathon in Oct & would potentially like to run a marathon next spring. Is this realistic? I have been doing sporadic kettle bell workouts, but I think I will knuckle down & get myself a good programme to follow with them and just concentrated on my running.

GymAddict: Ok thanks, I will add some hill training into my running. I have been using kettle bells occasionaly but I guess I should find a proper workout using these focusing on my legs & core and start incorporating this into my weekly schedule. Do you have anything you could reccomend?

Thanks