Q I’m a 33-year-old female, and after being collected by the ‘slow police’ after 19 miles in last year’s Berlin Marathon, I’m desperate to get my time down in this autumn’s race. I guess I should do speedwork but I don’t know what my targets should

you the consistency you need to keep improving year on year. If you are so busy that you only have a few hours to spare each week, the news is not all bad: a few high-intensity sessions and regular racing help to ensure that you compete well even

And they're off... 50,000 runners take to the streets When the inaugural Great North Run took place in 1981, more than 12,000 runners charged through the streets of Newcastle. Thirty two years later a lot has changed. The field has reached an eye

at the London Marathon (2:46, 2:43, 2:46, 2:43 [his quickest in last 20 years] and 2:47). Over the years, he estimates he's run about 2,000 races.Read the whole forum debateQ. Most marathon schedules are based on past performances but my opinion is that you

on target?Heart-rate training for marathonersHow to minimise down-timeRace-day planning...and much more!Too impatient? Here's last year's archive Pre-schedule countdown: Week -2 | Week -1 The real training starts here:Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week

There are thousands of races in Britain every year. Where do you start to look for one? When you flick through a race diary, what are you looking for? Chances are that you'll focus on an event that's close to home. Never mind if it's a one

Even experienced marathoners can find race-day a journey into the unknown. Arm yourself to deal with the unexpected, though, and you’ll have a marathon experience to cherish. Here are links to the articles that show you how to ride out whatever

.Pacing problemsOf course, things don't always run smoothly. A few years ago a pace group leader opted for an ill-advised curry the night before the Great North West Half in Blackpool. A few miles into the race, his gut started asking some serious questions

to see the positives. I ran my first marathon (FLM) in April last year and was deliriously happy with my time of 3:58. By October I was hoping to break 3:45, but was quite ill the week of the marathon and had a really rough race - finishing again in 3

that simulate the conditions. Some race organisers produce DVDs of previous years' events. You could consider buying one or ask your tri club if they've already got it. YouTube can also be a very useful resource. Search the site for your race name and you