strategy takes on increasing importance. Training ChecklistYour mileage this week should be about half to two thirds the amount you ran during your highest mileage week.Almost all running should be slow (one and a half to two minutes slower than marathon

Every good marathon-training plan should ‘taper’ during the final two or three weeks. That means you run less and rest more. For some people, the idea of backing off on their training just before the big race seems counter-intuitive. "So many

and during the race. This physical and mental rehearsal can reveal a problem that you can correct, and will make the race itself seem less daunting. If you're aiming for the Flora London Marathon try to run one of the big spring half-marathons as preparation

this week. Almost all running should be at one and a half to two minutes per mile slower than marathon goal pace - except a Tuesday two-miler at marathon goal pace, sandwiched by one-mile jogs. Again, if you want, throw in some quick 100-metre strides after

it a try. Strike a balance between... Running & strength workRunning will develop your lower-body muscles, but doesn’t do much for your top half. Strengthening neglected upper-body muscles will make you fitter in the fullest sense. Schedule time with a

time goal. Most marathon-training schedules require running five or six days per week, with total mileage of 40 to 60 miles. Two of the most successful training wizards think that's too much for many runners. The marathon-training programme developed