DBIARVMIDINMGYHEARMS MARATHON

THE first-ever Birmingham International Marathon is now nine months away but there’s still plenty of time to start training to join the 5,500 other runners who have already signed up to take part on Sunday, October 15. Here are some reasons why taking on the 26.2-mile event is such an amazing experience.

For the glory: The marathon distance is iconic, plain and simple. How quickly you run it is not as important as saying you were actually able to finish one. If you ever found your friends and family slightly hesitant at agreeing with you that you actually do possess super-human strengths? Well running a marathon will prove to them you were right all along!

For the new you: OK, so you need more convincing? How about if I told you within a month of taking the plunge and signing up for a marathon you will not only feel better but you will sleep better, eat better and even look better? Not a bad incentive and one that will work for you.

We have you covered: The miles don’t lie, so if you get yourself into a great routine and follow a Great Run Marathon Training Plan at www.greatruntraining. org/features, you will succeed. We know what makes a Great Runner and we think you can be one too.

Feel the love: Tell as many people as possible that you are going to run your marathon and when it is. This will not only impress the socks of them but also help them encourage you when you may find the going tough in the depths of your training. Phrases such as ‘we know you can do this’ from loved ones really do go a long way if you ever find yourself a little demotivated during your training.

Practice will make you perfect : A wise old bean once mentioned that the capital of Italy took longer than 24 hours to construct so don’t worry about still feeling a little unfit in the first few weeks of your schedule. It’s called ‘training’ for a reason, and with this in mind, be patient and keep perspective on how long your marathon journey is. Once your body starts figuring out the ‘new you’ is here to stay, it will play ball.

Be part of something special: Feeling more confident that you’re making the right choice by running a marathon? Good! Believe it or not, there are thousands thinking the same thing. Use social media to share your experiences, read about others in the same position to keep things fun along the road to your big day.

It’s fun: Believe it or not, you will have an enormous amount of fun running the race itself. There’s nothing like being inside the barriers during a big sporting event and a marathon will let you do so. The feeling of running with thousands of people and being cheered on by many more thousands is unique and will power you through the tough miles.

Sign up for the Birmingham International Marathon at www. greatrun.org/birminghaminternational-marathon