pace, since not even the toughest elite runner could recover quickly enough from a session totalling 26 miles of race-pace intervals.Most runners can’t jump right into demanding race-specific sessions without first developing the speed and distance

work your aerobic engine by increasing the recruitment of capillaries to the muscles and improving your ability to utilise oxygen more efficiently. You should increase the time of your long run by no more than 10 per cent each week to avoid overtraining.Speed

as much as those in the gym, and you don’t have to wipe other people’s sweat off first.If you’re investing in your first home treadmill, concentrate on the basics. Look for a motor that’s at least 2 Horse Power continuous duty, speed that goes up

Speedwork might sound daunting, but scheduling in a spot of speedwork could slash your race times and help you train harder and faster for longer.Whether you're making the step up from run-walk to run-sprint, or a veteran speed demon itching for a

its toll on bones, muscles, and tendons. At the least, over-racing causes fatigue and staleness. At worst, too much racing will increase injury risk.How much is too much depends on the distance of your races and whether your goal is speed or fun

AKZO Nobel Abingdon Marathon: Sunday, October 20WHY RUN IT?Speed, Oxfordshire countrysideA well-established autumn marathon, run over reasonably flat country roads.FEESLast year £9/£10ENTRIES TOAbingdon Marathon, PO Box 57, Abingdon OX13 6XR (01235

Blackpool Marathon Sunday, June 23WHY RUN IT?Speed, sea airOne of Britain’s fastest courses (a new one this year) at the North’s premier resort along coastal paths and promenades, including the Golden Mile. Includes a half-marathon.FEES£16

Powerhouse Cardiff Marathon, Sunday September 1WHY RUN IT?It's new. Speed. Cardiff.A new marathon around Cardiff City Centre and the suburbsFEES£15/£16 payable to Barnardo's (Cardiff Marathon) by August 23. No entries on day.ENTRIES TOCardifff

Adidas Dublin City Marathon Monday, October 28WHY RUN IT?Atmosphere, speed, DublinA friendly and popular big-city event starting on the Quayside.FEESIreland: £20; UK: £30 (includes breakfast run), payable to Dublin City Marathon by October 11

Longford BMW Cars Marathon, Ireland, Sunday August 25WHY RUN IT?Speed. Countryside. A rare marathon in the Midlands of Ireland, run through quiet Irish villages, close to the River Shannon.FEESEuros 25 payable to Longford Marathon by August 25. 35