Here are a few experiences and running tips that others want to share with you. If you have anything that you would like to share please let us have them (click here). We would love to publish them.

Great tip to improve your recovery time.

I have found that one of the best supplements to use when training really hard is Glutamine. Just 3 caps full a day will drastically increase your recovery time. It also helps eliminate that fatigued feeling that get sometimes where you just don't want to train. John - Florida

Pre race preparation is important.

If you are a newbie then don't make the mistake that I made in my first marathon. The gun went off and the seething mass of runners took off. I was carried along in the wave of people. It was wonderfully exciting until just a short while later I realised that my one lace had come loose. I was right in the middle of the crowd and just couldn't stop without being trampled. All the time my shoe was getting looser and looser. Every so often people were treading on my lace. What a panic I was in.  Anyway I managed to ease out to the edge of the race and found a place to stop and tie the lace again. This time with a double knot. My advice to all other newbies is - MAKE SURE YOUR LACES ARE DOUBLE KNOTTED BEFORE THE START - Glynis - California

How is this for a challenge?

My most interesting ultra marathon (trail run) experience was a run called the "De Hell Night Run". It took place in the Swartberg Mountain Range in South Africa. De Hell is a small community of people who had been isolated in their remote settlement - virtually cut-off from the nearest town about 50kms away - until the first road was constructed in the early 1950's. Before that it was a two day trip by Donkey to get their supplies. We were a group of about 30 runners. The race started at 4.00pm and we ran through the night. The route was along the path used by the donkey's and then picking up the dirt road that led out to the pass. The race was about 70kms long.  It was full moon and we took our own supplies with us in a back pack. There were no seconds. The terrain was torturous with huge climbs and descents. The temperatures dropped to minus 3 degrees celsius. Although it was gruelling I cannot describe the stark beauty of the rugged terrain in the bright moonlight. It was a wonderful experience which will stay with me forever. DW-South Africa

Don't let this happen to you.

If you are a man and if you have nipples then BEWARE. My first marathon didn't quite work out as well as I expected. My time was OK and my legs weren't too sore but boy were my nipples rubbed raw. I did all my training in a nice loose Tee shirt but on race day I wore my nice fitting club singlet. JJ

Isn't enthusiasm contagious?

I recently completed my first marathon and am estatic. I only started running 20 months ago and the whole buildup has been wonderful. I run with a great group of people who helped me so much. I have learnt so much about myself and now feel that I can achieve almost anything I set my mind to. I just love the comaradie among the runners and have made so many new friends. Jenny

Good idea for your goodies

I always stitch my race race number onto my singlet leaving a gap at the top. I pop my corn syrup in here. It saves me wearing a carry pouch. Reg - Texas