without having to think was great – it’s amazing how much confidence you gain from placing a tick over a date and training session. I also got a big boost from doing the races that the schedules prescribed. It makes a big difference when you can see

."Rest/XT:Take a rest day, or do moderate cross-training activity.m:Metresmi:MilesBACKGROUND AND SPECIFICATIONSThe RUNNER'S WORLD SmartCoach is a free, interactive tool that combines science, mathematics and 40 years of collective running wisdom to bring you a

sneaky spurt of speed mid-race, whatever your paceAsk other runners...RW readers are some of the most supportive people in the world when it comes to training and racing. Whether you have a question about a specific race, a 'can I do it' question, or a

, each followed by an easy jog back to the bottom of the hill. Getty ImagesRule 6: Make your long runs countMost runners training for a marathon believe that long runs of 18-20 miles prepare them to handle the full 26.2-mile distance. But these runs only

realise that you don’t have to be a fast runner to achieve great times. I always skipped the sections on speed in RUNNER’S WORLD because I was convinced that speed training was for the elite, or for runners who could run at least seven- or eight

up places.You can also blow up if you haven’t trained properly. If your longest run has been eight miles, don’t be surprised when the wheels fall off at the 15-mile point of a marathon, for instance. For shorter races, plan to run further than

Details page - you'll need to be logged in for this.Copyright © Runner's World 2007 IN THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER...• A PB year ahead • Reader stories • New Garmin schedules • This week's training • adi Runs BEST POST-MARATHON RACES• East • Midlands• North

from runner to runner. A seasoned marathon runner – or someone whose training plan included a high mileage base – can expect to bounce back quicker than a marathon novice for example.What you can do though, is make sure you know exactly what your body