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Whatever your reason for running, it's important to set yourself goals as this will give you something to aim for and keep you motivated. Don't forget that every step you take is enabling Macmillan Cancer Support to help someone affected by cancer.
Before embarking on any physical training programme, it's advisable to see your doctor for a medical or health assessment, particularly if you're a current smoker, overweight or if there's a history of heart disease in your family.
We'd also strongly recommend getting a good-quality pair of running shoes – there are lots of specialist running stores who will not only measure your feet correctly, but will analyse your running style and gait to ensure you have a pair of shoes suitable for you.
There are lots of different training plans available, so it's important to choose one which suits you and meets your goals – websites such as Runner's World| and Realbuzz| carry lots of different ones.
Indepth training guides from Graeme Hilditch
If you're starting out for the first time, we'd also recommend personal trainer Graeme Hilditch's indepth training guides:
Marathon training guide [PDF, 1.6mb]|
Half marathon training guide [PDF, 1.6mb]|
10k training guide [PDF, 1.3mb]|
(Please note: these files are large and may take a few seconds to download)
Phil is our Team Macmillan marathon expert. A qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist. Phil spent three years working at realbuzz.com| , the UK’s largest health and fitness website and now runs Fitness Aspirations| .
An expert in all aspects of marathon preparation, from nutrition and kit to injury prevention and training, Phil is perfectly placed to support our team and ensure you get the best out of your marathon. If you have a question for Phil simply email your query to running@macmillan.org.uk| .
If you have GPS on your mobile then you can download this free application to transform your mobile phone into a personal trainer. You can use it for whatever challenge you are doing with Team Macmillan - running, cycling or trekking.
Find out more about Endomondo|.
Make sure that your body becomes well balanced during your training and realise that you don't have to just run to become better at running. If you change it up you will build multi-level endurance and then running will become easier. So skip, sprint, grapevine, leap over things, gallop, and change it up without stopping. Doing something challenging such as the great runs Macmillan offers is a great way for you to connect to your body and help others. Tracy Anderson, Madonna's personal trainer.
Make sure that your body becomes well balanced during your training and realise that you don't have to just run to become better at running. If you change it up you will build multi-level endurance and then running will become easier. So skip, sprint, grapevine, leap over things, gallop, and change it up without stopping. Doing something challenging such as the great runs Macmillan offers is a great way for you to connect to your body and help others.
Tracy Anderson, Madonna's personal trainer.
We're always here to help, but you may find some of the following links useful:
Water for Team Macmillan participants is supplied by Eden Springs.|