’d known when they started out. JOHN BINGHAM1. Three steps forward, two steps backI thought that once I’d started running regularly, I’d become increasingly better all the time. I thought my progress would be linear. For a while, that’s exactly what

for the marathon in 1999. He and I ran the same marathon in Chicago on the same course on the same day. He finished in 2:05:42. I finished in just over 5:30:00. In fact, I heard the announcement that he had set the world’s record as I was approaching mile 11

This section is adapted from No Need For Speed - A Beginner's Guide To The Joy Of Running, by John Bingham. Buy this book!You may be uncomfortable hearing that no one can tell you what your fitness goals should be. No one can tell you how much

Extract from No Need For Speed by John Bingham (Rodale International Limited, £8.99). To order direct from Runner's World for the special price of £7.99 (inc P&P), call 0800 731 0622 and quote 55174-0.Those who know me well know that I enjoy