I've done a marathon. It went pretty well and was great for my confidence in fitness for boxing. After all if you've run a marathon recently and you begin to feel tired in later rounds you can bet your opponent feels more tired because stamina is one thing you should have - at least that's what i tell myself.

The basics that seem to work for me:

1) Have at least one long run a week eg. on a Sunday

2) Don't stop doing your speed training - track repeats of 200 to 800 m or 1 km repeats or fartlecks - whatever rocks your boat. maybe once or twice a week.

3) A moderately long run mid week is good - say 3/4 the length of your long run up to a max of about 1 and a half hours (might be less than 3/4 your long run at max mileage)

4) Don't forget your easy runs - to recover after hard days and keep the legs moving. I'm not a great stretcher but that'll probably help heaps too.

5) Build up mileage by no more than 10 % a week so you don't get injuries

6) increase your long run distance for 2 consecutive weeks then have a lighter week before beginning the cycle again.

7) If it's your first just take it easy - don't race hard until the last 10 km or so - this is the kind of event which feels great to finish strong because then you'll be overtaking everyone but most people are too tempted to take off early and either don't finish or feel like absolute crap trying to finish.

Get a water belt - need to be able to drink on the run - lots of little sips will help heaps.

9) Energy gels are great but try them before race day because some people have trouble tolerating them. Good to try out after the first hour or hour and a half of your long run and you'll really feel the boost they give you.

10) Don't skimp on running shoes or socks - when you next need to buy some go to a store recommended by your local running club to buy them because there will be places which can be really helpful and are still reasonably priced. Your average non specialist sports store won't be half as good.

11) You might also need some vaseline under the arm pits, on your nipples and places that rub and you'll want to wear light breathable clothing - i think it's worth investing in some clothes specifically designed for distance running to wear for your long runs and race day. That doesn't have to mean the expensive pressure pants thingies but just light breathable fabric - ask at the same running store you'll find the right socks and shoes. They're expensive sometimes so look for them on sale and it shouldn't be too bad - they last ten times longer than other workout clothing anyway so it's worth it!


Here are a few websites I have listed as some of my favourites you might wanna check out too  

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

http://www.runnersworld.com/0,7118,,00.html

http://www.travellingfit.com/