Coaching & training
Every runner is different, and there is no right or wrong way to train. Ideally, if you are thinking of running a marathon for the first time, you should get some advice which is specific to you: the amount of time you are willing to commit, your background (or lack of it) in running, your running style, and what you are hoping to achieve.
For new runners, you should start out with our Beginner's Guide to Running.
Articles by Frank Horwill
Frank Horwill, who trains some of the faster Serpentine runners, has written extensively on training, and many of his articles are collected here on the Serpentine website. While much of this material is relevant to runners of any ability, some is particularly targeted at more accomplished athletes.
Ask Karen
Karen Hancock, who has been running for many years and founded the highly successful Greenwich hill training sessions, has replied to many questions asked of her by serious runners of all abilities in a series of articles.
Other running coaches
Derek Turner has excellent advice for those new to running and runners planning for their first marathon.
Daniel O'Donoghue has advice for marathon runners.
Swimming by Stephanie Ellis
Stehanie's swim teaching is heavily influenced by a number of techniques to help the swimmer become both more at ease in the water and more effective. The main sources include Terry Laughlin’s Total Immersion method and the Shaw Method (based on the Alexander Technique). Stephanie's approach is very pragmatic and practical and is based upon simple physics.
Tri training by Charles Doxat
Charles Doxat was county swimming champion in the early 1960s, and went on to be many times British Age Group swimming Champion and record-holder. He won seven British Age-Group Triathlon Championships in the 1990s (at Half Ironman, Olympic and Sprint distances).
Other training information
The Runner's World Training and Racing site contains a number of useful articles and links.
Hal Higdon's Marathon Training guide is particularly recommended.
You may find the online book, Marathon running from start to finish, useful.