check-ups are necessary only for people over 45 or who have existing health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or joint problems. Even so, it's a good idea, says Dr Lewis Maharam, medical director of the ING New York City Marathon. "You

K events and, flush with excitement, jump right into training for a mega-marathon, such as London, Paris or New York City. Resist the temptation. The marathon has been around since the ancient Greeks. It will still be there when your running has

Keith I’m coming with him to New York,” she says.Philippa Braidwood, 48, from Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey — writerAfter two frustrating months when she was unable to run because of injury, Philippa Braidwood has turned a corner in her marathon training

, coach of the ING New York City Marathon online training programme.5. Warm-up properlyTreat yourself like a runner - from day one. That means taking time to properly warm up and cool down. "A good warm-up makes it much easier to get going and keep going

," says Andrew Kastor, coach of the ING New York City Marathon online training programme.5. Warm-up properlyTreat yourself like a runner - from day one. That means taking time to properly warm up and cool down. "A good warm-up makes it much easier