Did the London marathon last year as my first running event!

I see myself as relativly fit as I spend all of my free time mountain biking.

The number one thing needed to run the marathon distance is will power as no matter how fit you are the body really only stored enough energy to run 20-24 miles before it starts to deplete dependign on your personal metabolism.

I would say apply for the marathon and follow the guides on the marathon site and adapt them to your personal situation.

I trained for 8 months building up slowly to gain muscle mass in the right places and then train the muscles to 'slow burn'.

Another thing you also need to learn funny as it seems is how to run and conserve as much energy as possible.

The training is gruelling and boring but all worth it when the gun goes at 9.45am at Greenwich and you are cheered on my hundreds of thousands of strangers for 26miles. Also pretty good going into the pubs around trafalgar square with your finshers medal on is also good as you'll get randoms buying you drinks!

Entered for this years ballot but will do it agian for charity if I don't get in first time. Raised over £2000 last time which is also a great feeling.