For nearly 20 years, I wrote for RUNNER’S WORLD and its predecessors, Running and Jogging. I have also given countless clinics and seminars, coached dozens of athletes and met tens of thousands of runners at races around the country. Throughout

, the marathon seems nothing. However, you have to respect your body and allow it to get used to the idea gradually. Best of luck!—Bruce Tulloh, who took just 65 days to run across the USA in 1969

excellent cross-training for running, but to run a half-marathon well you also have to get used to spending a long time on your feet. I suggest that you use the days when you run to get in as many miles as possible – maybe a 15-16 mile run on the Sunday, a

running over 400-1000m stretches, but your long runs should be really slow. The crucial question is how long you can train hard without taking a rest. A lot of our top marathon runners cover 100 miles a week for most of the year, but the elite cannot

course; Friday – rest; Saturday – speed session as above.When you come to the marathon training, follow the RUNNER’S WORLD Get-You-Round programme, with the emphasis on a long run every weekend.—Bruce Tulloh, RW Coaching Editor

These schedules run for 10 weeks and cover three broad bands of runners. Band one: Sub-1:25This band covers serious athletes. The schedule will take you up to over 50 miles a week, which is about as much training as is compatible with a lifestyle

if you are a first-timer without a long background in running. You’ve invested a great deal of energy, both physical and mental, and a great deal of time in your marathon debut.Running such a long way will have taken a fair toll on your body

self-esteem is higher when we are running well. If you are building up for a big race in 12 weeks time, the best period for a training camp is in the third or fourth week, so that you can build on the increased fitness in later weeks. The fact that you

minutes at 20K and another five minutes to the finish – so your aim for the first one should be to break 1:45. And yes, it is a good idea to run an intermediate distance first – a 10-mile run if possible – so that you can get used to the slightly slower

there will probably be one training night a week for the under-12 or under-13 team, plus a race of some kind. If there is a local club, boys and girls should be encouraged to go along and join in. Two training runs a week, plus a race and the other games activities