with a race like the Meon Valley Plod 19.5. Your legs might not thank you for the unrelenting hill climbs, but the beautiful views, lashings of mud and extravagant refreshment stations are sure to put a smile back on your face. March

© Getty Images If 26.2 miles just isn't enough, an ultra could be the race for you. Races longer than a marathon, ultras range from 30 miles to hundreds of miles and take place in hundreds of beautiful locations from Sussex to the Sahara

training so you peak in time for a race. What, when and why?Until the Soviet sports scientists got on board, athletes trained at the same intensity all year round. As well as being deeply boring, the constant pressure and physiological demand on the body