People

The most important thing is to take enough time to train.  If you are an experienced runner and you’re already running 10 miles you should be able to run a marathon in around 3 to 4 months if you have a well thought out plan. 

If you have never run in your life a year would be a reasonable lead in to the 26-mile event.  If you are new to running then start off with simple things like running up the stairs at work instead of getting the lift. 

You should also go for long walks or jogging along Douglas promenade and walking back.  One of the most popular ways of preparing for a marathon is to log onto the runners world website.  It has various programs you can get started on which will prepare you for a 26 mile running competition. I’ve never done that myself but it seems to be a good source of material for first-timers.

You need to know you can complete at least 22 miles before you get to the big day.  You don’t want to be getting into new territory at say 15 miles.  If you have never reached over 15 miles in your training it’s a long way from that point to completing the course.

Give yourself a long lead up and get plenty of preparation.  Good shoes are essential also.  That doesn’t mean the most expensive of the most fashionable shoes it just means good quality trainers which are not worn out.

Always be protective to previous injuries, if you damage your body you will put yourself out of training and possibly out of the race.

A good diet is also essential when you are training.  I haven’t always practiced it myself but feeding your body the right things can make a real difference to stamina and fitness.

Last year I spent 5 months on a diet I called the “ABC” diet.  I cut out alcohol biscuits and crisps. Those are 3 things you can live without.  If you are going to run a lot you need good nutrition.

Something which a lot of people don’t think about is sleep.  During your training you need to give yourself enough time to sleep well.  If you are running hard, your body needs to recover.  It makes it difficult if you have a strenuous job or young children who keep you up at night.

Everybody has something in their life which makes finding time to train a challenge. It just depends how much to want to succeed.  If you want it enough, you will find the time.”