Top tips for Brighton Marathon runners

Starting in Preston Park, the athletes will cover 26 miles and will be supported along their long journey by thousands of spectators.

Related stories: Everything you need to know about Brighton Marathon 2019Here, Katie Knapton from Sussex-based PhysioFastOnline - who offer interactive videocall appointments with qualified physiotherapists – shares her top tips for those enthusiastic competitors who are preparing for the big event:

Don’t just run to run

It may seem natural to grab your running shoes and head out onto the streets when training for a marathon, but that should only form part of your training programme. It is important to cross-train to build your strength and stamina, to reduce the possibility of overloading your joints, muscles and tendons.

Don’t let injury put you off

If you do succumb to an injury when running, don’t just halt all activity in the hope of recovery. Try modifying the distance you are running whilst also assessing the frequency and the terrain – hard roads can make things hurt more! Increase the amount of non-aggravating activities too, such as cycling and swimming.

Scale up over time

Even if you are at the pinnacle of personal fitness, do not overdo it. In fact, the golden rule I tell my clients is to never increase the distance you run by more than ten per cent each week. Therefore, it is important you strategically plan your schedule well in advance to ensure you are covering the miles responsibly.

Look after yourself

Even if you are a solid and experienced runner, it is vital to eat the right food and get the right amount of sleep - and not just in the days leading up to the race. The better you look after yourself, the better you will train, and therefore injuries are less likely to occur.

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