, and the 4x15 were fitted around commuting – running to and from the train station twice a week. I think all the talk about 'mental toughness' is a bit of snake oil. Ultras aren't that hard. Running 100 miles slowly is much, much easier than running 26.2

running advantage I could see was: run with a bergan, take it off, and run again. Then it felt like you were running fast. – Tri TaffiaI served in the Paras for 11 years, and most of our training was with 30lb and upwards of weight in our bergans. I haven

cushion unless your backside is sufficiently padded to start with. – SnapstingetI learned the hard way that it's essential to do cross training to maintain running capability. I ran a lot from 1985-2000, 40+ miles per week and races once a month. All I did

don't need too much extra carbohydrate until you're really training hard (1-2 hours hard a day, six days a week). Otherwise you won't lose any weight. – Tootie AChat on your runIf you're trying to lose weight, you ought to lower the intensity

140, but I think if you're an accomplished runner you can do more. – Mitchie MooI'm now 29 weeks pregnant. I've continued to cycle to work every day, and I will be taking part in a 20-mile sponsored walk in Snowdonia in just under two weeks' time. My

it will transform your running and racing. I now do one day of speedwork, one fast-paced 7-miler, one 10-20 miler and one other run. I felt I haven't been doing enough, but my running is getting better and better all the time. It might be useful to get someone to do

opinion building muscle on your upper body just means extra weight to carry round 26.2 miles. I'd forget the weight training until after marafun, and enjoy the fact that those skinny arms and chest will give you a bit of extra speed on race day. – Ultra

've already got as a cyclist. Oh yeah, helmet is compulsory. I've since bought a second-hand road bike for £200. Triathlons are great fun – as a plodder myself I highly recommend you give it a try. This may be of use for training plans: Fun2Tri.co.uk. Good

comfortable under your belt as your first goal – easily reached goals are the way to go. Start off with 10 mins now, do that for a couple of weeks, than add 1 or 2 mins (or whatever you reckon) a week. You'll improve in leaps and bounds, way faster than you

or you will injure yourself. I gradually increased the miles on my toes and gradually decreased the "heel" miles; whole process took about 10 weeks. The morning walk down the stairs took longer than normal, but it felt great running at my new race pace