a couple of hours to digest. I usually have an energy drink before my Sunday long run, and I take carb gels with me in case I need to top up. Save the full English for when you get home. The anticipation will keep you going! – mattyfI just drink

with a water bottle and practise eating during your runs (energy gels are a great idea). And remember to be conservative on race day. I recommend that you aim for a minute per mile slower than your marathon pace, especially if the course is hilly. Good

whites and 175ml apple juice. Press the mixture into a lightly-oiled 18x28cm baking tin. Bake at 180ºC for 20-25 minutes until golden. Allow to cool slightly then cut into bars.Bee-liciousHoney is a natural, cheap and effective alternative to energy gels

of this stylish, up-to-the-minute model.Best Shoe: ASICS GEL-1150The Editor's Choice and Best Update from our spring/summer shoe guide, this is a well-cushioned and flexible shoe. Innovations over its predecessor include a new decoupled structure in the fore

Hard Training Q&AsTRAINING GENERAL• Do I need to take an "easy week" when my average mileage isn’t that high? • Should you try and break through ‘the wall’ in training? • Is it just the cold weather, or am I getting fitter? • How do I overcome

it gradually over the period of a mile. Another way of taking on fuel is through energy gels. They come packed with optimal carbohydrate and electrolytes, and most importantly can be taken as you require them. They can be held in your hand, tucked into your

. The main questions on Kim's training thread have concerned trying new products at races (gels and energy drink). There's also been some debate about taking on fluids and the importance of starting a run well-hydrated - Kim finds this difficult as she

of the other runners on Lucy’s thread have been having successful experiences with gels and finding out the benefits first hand. This experience will give them a huge advantage on the day of the VLM. Weeks 10 - 11Lucy says: Phew, long runs take a lot of prep

and after.6. Are there any tricks to recovery? No tricks, just sound training and nutritional advice. Our experts cited the importance of hydration and carbohydrate supplementation during long runs. For example, many recommend using energy gels

."Liquid or solid? Energy bars, gels, and drinks all supply much-needed carbohydrates before, during, and after those long runs you'll be doing this month, but which is best? "The harder you're running, the more blood is diverted from the stomach to the working