. This will be her last opportunity to do so before April 26. Meg is at the stage now where the marathon is starting to feel very real, and with that come nerves and apprehension. This is very common for first-time marathon runners but - like Meg - have

Breathtaking views at last year's Swiss raceFind out more...SWITZERLAND: SHARING THEIR TRAININGAndyCarleyBarley Cartman (first timer)Cougie (first timer) --• Buckers• The Count--• DD (first timer) •Garr (first timer)• Imp (first timer)• Iron

; great priceCons None obviousThis is the epitome of a great running watch with modern twists. The basics are first class: an easy-to-use stopwatch with big digits, tons of memory, a flexible and programmable countdown timer, and big buttons that you won

.cardiosport.comReebok Hybrid Plus, £70 Features Target HR zone, countdown timer, calorie counter, total fat burnRW Says For runners who are put off heart-rate training because they don't like chest straps, this can read your heart rate from your finger at the touch of a

1. London MarathonThe Flora London Marathon is genuinely a marathon for every runner. The huge field, large, enthusiastic crowds and party atmosphere appeal to first-timers, while the speed of the course and faultless organisation continue to draw

by the crowds and the runners.2 Nike 10K, London, SeptemberWith so many new runners out for a great day, this really is as much a friendly ‘social gathering’ as a full-on race.3 Bupa Great North Run, Newcastle, SeptemberIt’s the world’s biggest half-marathon, so

-to-rate list of race series and multi-stage events. 1 Race For Life Series, from MayWith over 300,000 runners, many first-timers and £17.5 million raised, Cancer Research UK Race for Life is the best thing to happen in running over the last decade.2 Cancer

- short and sweet - great for summer Rare beasts: The what, where and how of mile races. Mile schedules Our complete schedule programme for all standards of runner.5K - for first-timers and fast-timers alike Complete 5K schedules From sub-50 minutes

though, it does the basics well enough.Contact www.timex.comTimex BodyLink Trail Runner £180 Tested by Big KevFeatures Simultaneous display of heart rate and speed distance, 2 linked interval timers, latitude, longitude and altitude, navigation

’ll enjoy it most if it’s within your capabilities. That’s not to say it should be easy. But we do want you to finish it feeling fired up.Look for a 5K race, ideally – that’s five kilometres, or 3.1 miles. It will take most first-timers 25-40 minutes