. Enter races, but run them as long runs or as part of your long run. As long as you run at training pace, it’ll teach you to run in a race environment, practice taking drinks and getting used to standing on a start line.Q. I try to do speed work, but I

It happens to a lot of runners. You set your sights on a big race, log your miles and put your social life on hold, only to run into a roadblock in the last four to six weeks – that ‘monster month' when you're at your peak but still weeks away from

of ultras and mountain races in the past 15 years, including half tour of Mont Blanc in August this year. My advice would be not to overdo the mileage. You can never really train for a 50-mile race by doing a 50-mile training run, as you would just get

If you’ve been training for weeks, you’ll want to make the last workout before your race count. Studies indicate the best way to prepare for a race is to reduce the volume of your running (mileage) while maintaining the intensity. These four

Q London will be my first marathon, and after looking at quite a few training schedules, I remain puzzled about one thing. What, precisely, are the benefits of clocking up a high weekly mileage? Surely lots of miles of running will result

and 10,000m. Last year, the Ethiopian competed in two 10,000m events. He won both. But from May to September, he entered only six other races. You'd think a guy who makes his living by running would step to the line as often as possible, but Bekele

enable you to try a 10K race. In the autumn you might move over to more indoor and less outdoor work, and in the winter you might reduce the exercise load to one run, one swim and one gym session. There are endless permutations, but I advise that you do

. Marathon pace for a 3:45 marathon is an 8:35-minute mile so yes, 8:30 is too fast. Aim to run your long runs slower than your marathon race pace and then add in some sections at race pace ( for example, three x 15 minute bursts or a 60-minute stretch) when

Sam Murphy's tipsRun an assessment raceFebruary is a great time for an assessment race. It's been long enough for you to have made a discernible difference to your fitness level, but it's still far away from the big day for you to be able to put

In principle, tapering should be simple – run less so you’re rested for race day. In practice, many athletes find two to three weeks of cutting back on mileage and intensity makes their legs feel heavy and lifeless. But Spanish coach