5 Mins WU @ Easy Pace (RPE: 2)

16 Miles @ Target Pace (RPE: 4-8)

Biggest mistake here is going off too fast. I’ve done this before where runners I know I can beat have torn off at 10k pace only to blow up. Hopefully my target for you is right and definitely don’t start off quicker. If you feel good once you come over the hills near Glyne Gap, then pick up the pace. You got this. Fuelling is also essential for a race of this distance.

This comes early in the calendar, mid February, so ideal if you are training for a spring Marathon. If you haven’t got your long run distance up to at least 12 miles (19.5km) prior to this race I would advise giving it a miss.

Poor preparation for longer races such as this can significantly increase your risk of injury and with so many races, including the Hastings Half approaching, it would be a terrible time to get injured.

This is a distance we rarely run, so it’s imperative you don’t get carried away at the start. Unless you are out to win the race, keep your pace super easy to begin with and if you feel strong when you come over the top of Galley Hill, that’s when you can look to pick up the speed.

There is nothing worse than running out of energy with 3 or 4 miles left to go. It’s a long way to the finish line from there. It’s important to stay hydrated and unless you are very experienced over this distance you will need a gel or energy bar to refuel and replenish those glycogen stores.