“The essence of the London Marathon is the way it combines elite, fields and the community runner, the fund-raiser and the person who simply wants to complete the race… because it is something they want to do,” Seb Coe, 2006.

Since it was first held on 29 March 1981, when 6255 runners crossed to finishing line, to more than 35000 people participating in the 2011 race, The London Marathon is arguably the most famous and popular marathon in the world.

Being the year of the London Olympic Games, this year, the London Marathon is exuding even more excitement and prestige than ever before, being held just several months before the Games begin.

If you are participating in this year’s highly anticipated London Marathon, you may appreciate some training tips for the London marathon 2012, this world-renowned sporting event.

Give yourself a goal

Even if you have never run a race before in your life, it is important that you give yourself a goal other than merely ‘crossing the finishing line’. Make your goal of what you hope to complete the London Marathon in realistic, and stick to it on the day of the marathon, this way, you will be less likely to start too fast and slowdown in later stages of the race.

Adopt an ‘all-round’ approach to training

According to many fitness experts, the essence of improving fitness levels lies within practising different types of exercise regularly. Of course running is important as you train for the London Marathon, but be sure to undertake other means of exercise, such as yoga, cycling and swimming, to help increase your fitness levels to their optimum.

Avoid weekly long runs

Traditional marathon wisdom always advocated including a weekly run in marathon training, although this is no longer the case. Many coaches are now advising that going for a long run week in week out in the run up to a marathon will only leave you fatigued and more prone to injury. This advice now is typically to go on a long run once a week but take every third or fourth week off.

Get plenty of rest

It is easy to get so fixated with marathon training that you neglect giving your body a chance to rest and recover. Experts therefore advise that you make ‘resting’ part of your training schedule.

Eat more than just pasta

Carbohydrates such as pasta are great for giving the body energy and fuel but research has proven that exercisers, particularly those who are new to exercise, have an increased need for protein. So ensure your diet in the run-up to the London Marathon consists of plenty of protein and carbohydrates