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BIG Marathon IndexEasy-to-follow schedules, weekly newsletters, top-notch advice, motivational ideas - this is your guide to everything on our site for marathon runners |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Whether you're new to the marathon or merely reintroducing yourself to an old friend, we're here to help you plan your race build-up down to the last detail. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for - and complete - your best 26.2 miler.
Our Essential Marathon NewsletterOur free, weekly marathon email is designed to keep you on top of your training. Short enough to be readable, long enough to be useful, it contains at-a-glance schedules for every pace, themes and hurdles for the week, and all the cheer you need for the dark days of winter. Request it now and it'll pop into your inbox from December through until April. Training SchedulesHow to choose the right scheduleYou know that our schedules are tried and trusted, but which to choose? Better to err on the side of caution to avoid injury if you're unsure. Use our race-time predictor for an indication of what target you should set yourself. Bruce Tulloh's failsafe guide to getting ready to start a marathon schedule will also help you choose a target that is suitable for your current levels of fitness. Our schedules We have five sets of marathon-training schedules for you to choose from:
Of course, if none of these schedules suit, you could always use our interactive SmartCoach tool to create your own tailor-made marathon schedule. Simply input a selection of details and SmartCoach will equip you with a fully-personalised training plan, designed to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Or, if you're willing to train seven days a week, you can also enjoy these Hard Training schedules and advice from Mike Gratton. You don't have to be fast for these, just dedicated... Marathon First-TimersIf it's your first marathon, make sure you check out our guide to running your first marathon. It's packed with all the info, tips and advice you need to get kitted out and ready to go. If you're completely new to running, then our Get-Started Schedules will take you from zero to running hero. You'll be running 30 minutes non-stop within eight weeks - perfect preparation for starting our Get-You-Round 16-week schedule come January. In the meantime, if you're in need of advice, a pick-me-up or just a good natter, join fellow first-timers and Just Get Round runners on the forums. Your Questions AnsweredEarlier this year, we invited a number of marathon running experts into our forums to host a series of live Q+A sessions. Catch up with the discussion highlights here:
You'll also find stacks of useful information in the marathon section of our BIG Q+A Index. Here's a selection of your most popular puzzlers:
Nutritional NecessitiesAs you ramp up the mileage during training, it's essential your diet steps up to the challenge as well. Keep your body in tip-top shape with these expert guides to eating before, during and after training, as well as on marathon day itself.
Getting Ready For The Big DayDon't forget to wind down during your final few weeks of training and look ahead to the logistics of race day. After all, it's the details that can make all the difference. Wise up to the importance of tapering - and find all the information you need to get to the start line in style - in these choice reads:
Fundraising FocusRunning for charity? Wondering how you'll have time to fit in your fundraising as well as your training? No need to panic - help is at hand in our real-life guide to making fundraising easy. It's packed with tried-and-tested strategies and imaginative ideas to help maximise your fundraising potential. And don't forget: if you're lucky enough to have a ballot place, hundreds of charities would still love you to raise as little as £100 for them. There are numerous benefits in running for charity - visit our extensive charity gallery to search for non-profit groups by category or locality. All the organisations listed have vast experience of supporting runners in the build-up to the marathon and on the day itself. Get Inspired, Stay MotivatedReal London Marathon StoriesFor a sense of just why it's so worth running the London Marathon, read these first-hand accounts of the 2009 event. Long and short, fast and slow, they give an incredible insight into the emotions of race day. Chat London Chat Want to tap the knowledge of your fellow runners? Don't be shy - post a message on our busy Virgin London Marathon forum. Among the hundreds of conversations taking place, you'll find some that have become designated 'meeting places' for people with similar targets. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
are a bit more detailed. They include a monthly goal and a monthly theme, some more creative sessions, and a little extra guidance about pace.
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