2010 London Marathon: Top 10 Tips

Matt Kurton showing off his medal after completing the London Marathon

Matt Kurton ran the 2009 Flora London Marathon for Oxfam. So if you are thinking of running the 2010 Virgin London Marathon, have a look at his top 10 tips for going the distance - and having a great time while you train.

1) Enjoy it
The most important tip of all. Running is much easier when you’re having a good time. So enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy getting fitter and faster. And if you start to struggle, imagine how incredible you’ll feel when you cross the finish line of the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

2) Put your feet first
You’ll run hundreds of miles training for the 2010 Virgin London Marathon, so wearing the right shoes is vital. Get yourself along to a proper running shop, and the staff will watch you run and recommend the perfect pair to keep your feet happy.

3) Food matters
Putting the right fuel in your tank makes a big difference to your running. Think carbs, lean proteins and plenty of fruit and veg. Energy drinks and gels can give you a serious boost on longer runs (you’ll get used to their unique taste). And don’t forget to treat yourself now and again – you’re burning a lot of calories, after all...

4) Warm up and cool down
Start and finish at a snail’s pace. Your muscles will be very grateful the next day.

5) Follow a London Marathon training plan
It’s the best way to make sure you’re mixing things up and not increasing your mileage too quickly. Slow runs, fast runs, hill runs, long runs and interval runs should all be part of your 2010 Virgin London Marathon training. Make sure you vary where you run too, to keep things interesting.

6) Listen to your body
If you feel a niggle that seems worse than just a bit of muscle ache, don’t ignore it. Rest, and head to a physio if it doesn’t clear up. Carry on running and chances are you’ll make things worse.

7) Go long
The long runs are the most important part of your 2010 Virgin London Marathon training, so don’t skip them. As well as giving you a real sense of achievement, they help you get used to spending several hours on your feet. And you’ll be amazed how distances that seemed impossible at the start of your training suddenly become much more straightforward.

8) Enter a practice race
Running a half-marathon six weeks or so before the big day (2010 Virgin London Marathon – 25 April) is a great way to get used to running at the right pace – and to enjoy the atmosphere of an organised run (although nothing will be prepare you for the amazing London Marathon race day buzz).

9) Stick with what you know
Come London Marathon morning, make sure you’re not doing anything for the first time. Nothing new for breakfast. No clothes or shoes you haven’t run in before. And plenty of Vaseline on those sensitive areas. That way you’ll make sure you don’t get any new blisters or nasty chafing.

10) Celebrate!
Running the London Marathon is a serious, life-changing achievement, so make sure you plan a proper party for afterwards. And seeing as you’ve got the running habit, why stop with the 2010 Virgin London Marathon? There are dozens of other brilliant races out there – and each of them is another opportunity to raise even more money for Oxfam!