Getty ImagesIf you’ve applied for a place in the Virgin London Marathon, you’ll know by early October whether you’ve been successful. You have ample training time in the period between starting your training schedules in early January and the big

on the fringe of the national team until, by training 30 miles a day, he became European champion at 5000m and 10,000m.The natural-born sprinter has a high proportion of fast-twitch fibres and middle-distance runners probably have about equal amounts of fast

, should certainly be enough at this stage. — Bruce Tulloh, RW Coaching Editor

and training.So what have I learnt – deep down – in 50 years as a runner?Enjoy your runningAs I was small and skinny, with no eye for a ball, running was the sport I enjoyed most. And competitive running is a challenge, a performance. You get nervous, you get

These schedules run for 10 weeks and cover three broad bands of runners. Band one: Sub-1:25This band covers serious athletes. The schedule will take you up to over 50 miles a week, which is about as much training as is compatible with a lifestyle

rhythm. Incidentally, the harder training should improve your 10K performance at the same time.—Bruce Tulloh, RW Coaching Editor

course; Friday – rest; Saturday – speed session as above.When you come to the marathon training, follow the RUNNER’S WORLD Get-You-Round programme, with the emphasis on a long run every weekend.—Bruce Tulloh, RW Coaching Editor

as many calories.How Do I Stay Motivated?Good goals are the secret of motivation, along with an eager training partner. By a good goal I mean something that is definite, attainable and personally worthwhile. Avoid targeting nebulous things like ‘getting

on whatever the next week will throw at you. —Bruce Tulloh, RW Coaching Editor

Standfirst: Author: Bruce TullohPics:Issue date: racing secrets bookletKeywords:--This band covers serious athletes. The schedule will take you up to over 50 miles a week, which is about as much training as is compatible with a lifestyle