John Stafford, running expert at Bracknell Leisure Centre, home of Bodyworks gym, offers some tips on how to train for Bracknell Half Marathon on Sunday, April 27.

■ It’s just over five weeks until the Bracknell Half Marathon. Hopefully your training is going to plan.

If not, don’t panic, you can still do it, but maybe a bit slower than you originally intended.

■ It’s time to start thinking ahead and getting yourself prepared for the half marathon itself.

Whatever you intend to wear on race day, including trainers, vest/T-shirt, shorts, should be worn a few times before the race itself.

Don’t start the race with a brand new outfit as this can often result in chafing and blisters.

If you’re not already wearing the trainers you intend to wear on the day of the race, start doing so now, even if it is only for long runs.

If you haven’t bought the trainers you intend to wear, go out and buy them now from a specialist running shop.

■ Have you found the start of your training runs often seem harder than the middle part of your runs?

If so, you are probably setting off too fast and not allowing your body and muscles time to warm up.

The long runs should be fairly slow anyway, but on the race pace runs and speed work you will probably find the whole run a lot easier if you start off slow and gradually build up the speed.
 
For a full list of John’s tips and his training schedule go to www.getbracknell.co.uk