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Whatever you do throughout your running career you absolutely must stick to the 4 Principles of Training. 4 principles that will shape your success, or otherwise, in whatever you do. We'll discuss in detail each of them and outline why it's so important that you follow them to the letter. All good training plans will be based on them. They are not optional!

One of the biggest challenges when you're in Dublin for the marathon is keeping out of the bars in the days leading up to the event! This is a city that loves its nightlife and there is plenty of it, including Guiness at every turn. It's a marathon that's had plenty of course changes over the years due to the ongoing development in the city, but it's settled now and it's one that you have to do.

Why does everyone want to run the Boston Marathon so badly? Is it because it's one of the Majors or because of its history? Probably the latter given that it was so popular before the Majors became a thing. But is it worth the hype? And just how hard is it to get into? It's a very different event to the rest of the Majors, for so many reasons.

The purpose of this DISCLAIMER AND NOTICE is to make you aware of the potential risks connected with activity in any exercise, physical fitness or training program and to help you make an informed decision about whether you should participate in these activities.

Don't let anyone tell you that you don't need a training plan. Whether you're training for an event (your first or you fifty first, it doesn't matter) or running to lose weight you need a plan as to how you're going to achieve it. your plan will have been written by someone with experience and who has done it many times before. The plan needs to include gradual progression and it needs to include rest days. The plan will act as your guide and your motivator. Without it you'll

One of the new breed of running shoe brands, Altra is a zero drop shoe with a much wider toe box than the usual running shoe. Formed in 2009 by two running college running buddies, their approach was on finding a more flexible shoe that allowed the runner's individual running gait to dominate rather than the shoe taking the lead.

Everyone focuses on their running shoes. They look at multiple options, test out a few and then finally go for the one that fits best (hopefully). But what about the humble running sock. How much attention do you pay to them? Find out why you should spend as much time choosing them as you do your shoes.

Running training isn't all about pounding the same streets every day at the same pace. Try something different.

You know it makes sense to eat fruit. We all do, but we probably don't eat as much as we should. When training for an event or just running to keep fit, eating fruit becomes even more important. Fruit is full of antioxidants, fibre, carbohydrates and is great for hydration. Inevitably some types of fruit are better than others. We'll talk you through what you need to include in your running diet and why.

One of the world's most talked about marathons, this is one that you have to do at some point in your running career. Getting in through the lottery can be a challenge, but there are also tour operator and charity entries. Once you're in you need to have a read on our tips for a great day!

We all know it's a really hard one to get a spot in and for many runners they never do. But if you are one of the lucky ones you need to make sure everything is planned to perfection, both before, during and after. Leave nothing to chance and you'll have an experience you'll never forget.

Not enough runners invest in a massage on a regular basis. We're talking about a deep tissue massage here, not a little superficial tickle. A sports massage gets deep into the tissue and it's a great way of helping your body deal with the stress that lots and lots of running can cause. Specific areas will be targeted, those that are more likely to come under pressure from repeated runners. This kind of massage is invaluable.

The only Asian event in the World Marathon Majors series, the Tokyo Marathon feels very different to the rest. If you haven't been to Japan before you are in for sensory overload. It is an intriguing country and its capital is like no other. Marathon running is massive in this country and this event is the pinnacle. Getting a spot is extremely difficult so if you do get one then make sure you make the most of every minute.

The Antarctica continent is truly stunning. If you get the opportunity to run the Antarctica Marathon then you're in for a real treat once the race is done. You have three days exploring some amazing sights, including the world famous Paradise Bay, maybe the most beautiful place on earth.

One of the most common reasons why runners fall out of love with the sport is because they get bored. And they often get bored because they are running the same old routes. Variety is the spice of life and this is nowhere more applicable than in running. If you don't get a good selection of options sorted from day one then boredom is around the corner. Even if you have to get in the car, then do it.

Motivation is a key driver in achieving our running ambitions. You can lay out the most ambitious plans you like but if you don't stay motivated then you won't achieve them. It's a bit of a 'catch 22' situation though as motivation is driven by success itself. Success of course is relative and we determine what that is ourselves. It's one of the factors that will keep you motivated but there are others and we'll discuss them here.

You can't just let social media and some emails to friends and family get you to your target on their own. You'll need to do more if you want to get to it and go beyond. There are so many options, some much tougher than others. Here we look at ten of the best. Don't be the one that has to tell their charity they couldn't make it!

Strava turns every iPhone and Android into a sophisticated running and cycling computer (and we work with your GPS watches and head units, too). Start Strava before an activity and you can track your favorite performance stats, and afterwards, dive deep into your data. Record an activity and it goes to your Strava feed, where your friends and followers can share their own races and workouts, give kudos to great performances and leave comments on each other's activities.