Many elite runners plan their racing calendars a year or more in advance. There are some right now who know that in order to be on the starting line of an Olympic final in Beijing in August 2008, they need to hit an A-standard qualifying time in a

of periodisation, it can seem tough between 'peaks'. Runner Lasse Viren, dubbed The 'Flying Finn', won very little other than his four Olympic gold medals, from double victory in the 5000m and 10,000m at the 1972 and 1976 Games. He mastered the art of peaking

Halstead Marathon, Essex: Sunday, May 19WHY RUN IT?Scenery, value for money, spaceA low-key marathon, over undulating country roads that strays across the Suffolk borders. This year’s race hosts the 2002 Road Runners Club Championships.FEES£9.50/£10

, it isn’t a particularly quick course. Thirty competitors ran the inaugural race last year, in the event organised by the charity Cystic Fibrosis Trust, but this year the 80 limit will definitely be reached.FEES£20, payable to Cystic Fibrosis Trust

and 10KsTo raise money for Help for Heroes.Running is now my passion,A hobby born from this.And whilst not with every race I run,The chance to help others I'll never miss.

track, which cost close to £1 million to install, was mostly funded by Halifax Council and lottery funding, but the club itself raised £100,000towards the cost. "About six years ago our chairman decided to take the bull by the horns. He set about

.Half-Marathon - a huge milestone Half-marathon schedules Tried and trusted... Our best-ever schedules --> for the half; 12 weeks from sub-1:20 to 2:30 run-walk Essential Q&As --> Nutrition, training, race day and more...The technical know-how --> Pacing tactics

to the race in 2003!2 City of Norwich Half-Marathon, Norfolk, JuneMore than 1000 runners made this the biggest-ever turnout for this rural race.3 L1310K, Liverpool, OctoberCombining two good races – the Liverpool Half-Marathon and 10K – could have been a

and taking in more than the runner in front’s backside, then the UK has some of the prettiest events on offer.1 Great Caledonian 10K, Scotland, MayNot only is the scenery fantastic, but if you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Queen.2 Windsor Half

in the end!Last year I could not stomach the gels so I spent all winter getting used to them and finding my own way to take them without gagging, then race day comes along with the hot weather and the gels give me the trots!If I manage to get