an entry form in, you have effectively entered the lottery. There are roughly 20,000 places available for the general public after taking into account GFA [good for age], charity and club places. In most years about 100,000 entries are received, so chances

it in my head that I want to do the Southend half-marathon on 10 June – exactly two weeks after Edinburgh. I've been told by my friend's bloke, a seasoned marathon runner, that it's a horrendous idea. Is he right? Given that it's my first marathon, I

flavour. I don't know what's in it, but it gives instant hit of energy. – Bear B.HindJelly Babies work for me as a mid-run energy boost. Used to eat the occasional mini Mars Bar during a long run, during FLM training. – Kazzaaaaah! BANANAS! – Emma Ronald

again, and six months later I was running sub-1:45 half marathons. When my second child was born, I was better prepared. I avoided comfort food and made special time in my life to run. It's amazing the difference an hour or so running on a Sunday morning

This week's reader completed the London Marathon using a run/walk strategy – but she now wants to cut out the walks altogether, and it's not proving too easy. Can you offer any advice? "I'm getting really annoyed with myself. I trained for FLM using

in that sense. But will the organisers please, please, please have a sub 1:30/1:40 category just after the elite runners for people who can prove their ability with a previous qualifying time and satisfy the more able club runners who want to race the course

or the New Forest. And, unlike the Great North Run, it’s not on telly.But this marathon, in a sleepy market town just outside Oxford, is hugely popular. Race day isn't until October 22, but the event's 1,000 places have long been snapped up – 107 of them

was hooked instantly and have been wearing them full-time since. – VelociraptorI eventually caved in and got daily disposable contact lenses. This was after (1) a 10K race chosen solely because it was in an area I knew from years back, and wanted to see again

-range (about £500) like a Specialized Allex or Trek 1000. As with all things, you get what you pay for – but with bikes the law of diminishing returns starts to kick in around £1,000+. The key thing is that the bike fits properly and is comfortable. Other

other hurt, if you're staggering a long way in a drunken state. If I were six days from the FLM, I'd be coccooned in cotton wool and bubble wrap. – cloudburstGo ahead – but fill up afterwards on water and sleepA week before my first ultra in January I