Standfirst: Author: Joe DunbarPics:Issue date: Racing secrets bookletKeywords:uan60--Training for the mile is something youve probably never dreamt of doing, but the change of focus and the variety in the schedule can be fun, and may also yield
in their running programmes.Since extra body fat equals dead weight in a race, you must trim extra pounds to maximize performance. You don’t need to cut down to the levels of élite runners (8 per cent for men, 12 per cent for women). Instead, settle on an ideal
(or resume) any weight-loss regime during this time – your body requires a full complement of nutrients to recover from the stress of the race. Of course, if you are still gaining weight after your first recovery week, you might want to consider
up to jogging at least some of the way on race day.Training helpThere's further reading in our Best Beginners' Index, Best Weight Loss Index, and Best Women's IndexI've never run before...the best way to start is a little jogging with walk breaks
© Getty Images The two Olympic marathons held last August in Beijing were literally races for the ages. Kenya's Samuel Wanjiru, then 21, broke more than an Olympic record with his 2:06:32 win; he crushed long-held conventional
