) should predict your marathon capability, though a race closer to April will give you a more accurate picture than one in January.—Bud Baldaro, coach and RW contributing editor

, but at a pace faster than you do for your longer runs. Follow that up on Sunday with a long, relaxed run – eventually running at least half-marathon distance, and if possible a couple of miles more. I’d plan your training schedule at the start of each week

Q In the last 18 months, I’ve run three marathons. As a result, though, my times have gone backwards for 10K and half-marathon. I thought that all the training I’ve been doing would make me faster – what am I doing wrong?A Firstly, you need to ask

conducive to enjoyable running. Once you get past the difficult early stage of your return, which should really just be an easy run every couple of days, try to develop a ‘shape’ to your training. The RW half-marathon schedules will be ideal for your planned

.”Translation: the most important reason for long runs is to condition the muscles to delay the onset of fatigue.2. What is the best long-run training distance for marathoners? In short, there is no perfect distance. We have seen marathon-training schedules which

Standfirst: Author: Sean Fishpool and Bud BaldaroPics: Tim De FriscoIssue date: sep99 / Perfect 10 panelKeywords:-->Problem:I’ve never raced that far beforeSolution:No problem. First of all, remind yourself that if you can walk six miles, you