responded to a request placed by us on the forums earlier this year. We wanted beginner runners who were willing to take on a massive challenge – to get from virtually nothing to 26.2 miles in time for the 2004 Flora London Marathon.Over the coming months

adult life. And if I thought about stopping, my partner and daughter would kick me out of the door and tell me to get on with it.Nick Troop Years Running 20+ Finishing a marathon is easier than you thinkWhen I started running in the 1980s, the marathon

they wish they’d known before taking their first running steps. The lessons they’ve learned will apply to you too and put your mind at rest.If you're a Runner's World UK magazine subscriber, you can see all 20 here. Otherwise, enjoy these 5 as a preview

Competition, it's a very stable racing shoe. It also provides plenty of cushioning, so over the marathon distance, moderate overpronators aiming to run anywhere from 2:30 to 3:00 should find enough support from the Supernova.Swap and Save If you usually race

in advance, you can never be too prepared for a race.Neil TillottTHE SHIRT New York City Marathon, 2000I ran my first marathon at London in April 1999, and so for 2000 I decided to tackle two 26.2-milers in a year. (I was 19, so it seemed like a really good

Europe’s most exciting”. Contact: Göteborg Half Marathon, P.O.Box 12 174, S-402 42, Göteborg; tel 0046 31 772 78 80; fax 0046 31 772 78 90; e-mail varvet@gfif.se; web www.goteborgsvarvet.com Brussels 20K When May Why Like Paris, Brussels

to build up to 20 minutes, or if you want to get under 2:30 for a marathon. Either way, a good coach will help you hit your target.And nowadays you’re spoilt for choice. Long gone are the days of the coach as the man with the manic glint in his eye, a loud

and race at," says Gardener. "For instance I know that if I run a marathon at 145bpm, I won't be slowing down at the end or that 156 will result in a decent 10K." Julie-Anne Ryan is another runner who discovered that her running improved after she purchased

. She completed her 2004 marathon, before she'd trained with an HRM, in 4:05. One year later she'd improved to 3:47, now boasts a best of 3:31 and is aiming to run under 3:15 at the Abingdon Marathon in Oxfordshire this October. "I've graduated from base

no matter what run they're doing. Mild to moderate overpronators will find it a top multi-distance shoe, while heavier runners seeking a supportive shoe for shorter distances should also check it out.Contact 0800 056 1640; www.nike.comPuma Complete Heras