Belfast last year in 3:11, but did not really do the full training. This year I followed the sub 3hr schedule and felt really confident that I could break 3hrs. I ran 2:51, so can I say a big thank you to Runner’s World for getting me there. One

went off with a faint pop and for a second my heart stopped... and then I swam. Before I knew it I was cruising, and since I'd never done the distance in open water I was quietly pleased when I saw my time. On the bike, it was lovely to hear people

for sprinters. Be slow, not sorry.Don’t compare yourself with anyone else Check out the apostrophe in RUNNER’S WORLD. There must be a billion runners out there, so we could certainly call this magazine RUNNERS’ WORLD. But we don’t, and this is because we realise

sluggishness at the beginning of my long runs? • What exactly causes a reduction in resting heart rate? • Do I need a rest? • Is this tiredness a result of working hard, or over-doing it? • How hard does hard training need to be? • Routines

was disappointed that my leg gave way at 16 miles, as I felt I could have gone on.Q: The biggest surprise? Or the most memorable moment? A: My biggest surprises were being able to sustain a running pace with a heart rate of between 180 and 192. I didn't feel dizzy

to cramp just before the Runner's World cheering point. I was all set to look out for the team 8 supporters when I had to concentrate on kicking the cramp out without stopping. Had to do this intermittently until the finish but thankfully didn't lose too

every Sunday. I have expressed effort in two ways: a) percentage of maximum heart rate, and b) actual running speed. Steady runs will be at around 70-75 per cent effort and you will find that your steady pace will improve over the weeks. When running

themed evening, unless Tor has changed her mind in the last 24 hours. You have to come in something beginning with any letter from "RUNNER'S WORLD". So, for instance, you could come as a Rabbit, a Unicorn, a Nurse, an Elephant, a Runner (heaven forbid), a

the thread Running slow to run fast I’ve just run my first marathon and I've decided to use the next three to four months for aerobic base training at a low heart rate to (hopefully!) increase my speed. If you’ve used this method, how did you find

ladies you are all so special to me. – Mini Me1Merry Christmas to you all. Special mention to the Runners Arms, the Wagon Train, Moderately Annoyed threads. And to NGL, Welsh Alex and Tickled Pink in particular for being supportive, non