as yesterday was bleak: they really do nourish the spirit.I have more blisters today but the paracetemol is working and I'm looking forward to the tough challenge ahead. And it will be tough: tomorrow is the 82K long stage. I wonder what song they'll use to let

There are countless inspiring running races around the world, but if you’re looking for the daddy of them all, you need to head south to the Antarctic Ice Marathon. No other race can touch it for inaccessibility, extreme conditions and sheer icy magnificence. And as for its compe...

Marathon to the Greek capital. The heat and hills haven’t changed over the years though so be prepared for a tough challenge. www.athensmarathon.com © Getty Images Medoc Marathon Red wine or Lucozade? Foie gras or yet another energy gel

forest terrain and offers one of the most the most serene, though challenging, runs you’re ever likely to enjoy. Make sure you pack warm gear, as it can be cold at night at this time of the year. Race website: www.knysnamarathon.org.zaFoot of Africa

At just 17.5K, the final stage of the 26th Marathon des Sables was the shortest by far but still proved to be challenging. It was another hot day - although once the temperature rises above 40C it's hard to differentiate between simply hot

-supported race passes through a dynamic metropolis of famous plazas, great monumental buildings, such as the Kio Towers, and stunning parks including the Casa de Campo. The race may be in April but be prepared for heat and humidity as well as challenging hills

to work and back as often as I could with a loaded backpack, and doing back-to-back long runs at the weekend. But none of it really prepared me for the first stage of the 250.7K challenge, and its 13K section of sand dunes. They were the kind

will challenge your motivation but it could also have negative implications when you’re running at night. You’re more vulnerable to assailants if your movements are predictable so aim to vary your route every time you venture out, even if that just means running

, feel confident and recognize the positive aspects of your challenge.Be flexibleIf you're stressed when you start a run, especially if you're cramming training into a busy schedule, you're unlikely to relax or enjoy the session. "If you approach every

runners had trained hard and were mentally prepared for the challenge but the pair adopted completely different approaches to race strategies.Radcliffe set the pace, as she had in all her previous marathons, daring the other runners to keep up with her