How do you train for a 65 mile run?

Our very own 'television celebrity', Jonathon Ross, updates us on his progress...

It was before Christmas that I decided to take part in Project 65 but it was a conscious decision not to start training until the New Year. I think this was simply a case of putting off the inevitable and blaming it on the over indulgences of the festive period.

Having a full time job, wife, family, DIY commitments etc I thought I would plan my training around what I could actually achieve. This would be 2 short runs during the week after work and a long run at the weekend. I would continue with my 3 times a week visit to the gym at lunchtimes.

So I started training. The first few 5 milers were hard but I felt good that I was getting out. I managed 9 miles one Sunday morning and whilst being tired was relieved my body, especially my knees had stood the test. So this is the routine I have adopted. A couple of 8 milers during the week and then about 20 miles on a Sunday. The Sunday runs will increase in distance each week until I can manage two back to back 20’s in a day.

In the meantime I realised that the nutritional side of long distance running is so important. It appears that this is a complete science in its own right. What to eat, how to eat it, what to drink and when. Along with this science is the inevitable manufacturers’ dream of flogging any unsuspecting runner with tons of nutritional titbits!!

Being a grumpy old git and not wanting to shell out for anything that might be construed gimmicky I asked every single person I could think of for advice. I found that everyone does something different but all had a common theme. I now eat plenty of pasta, fish, fruit etc during the week. Now, as a bit of a convert, before a long run I have a couple of gels and also a couple during the run. I also have a Mars bar during the run. When I finish the run I have something to eat immediately as apparently this is when your body needs it most. Each bottle of water I take has an electrolyte tablet in as well. I also use a water belt which also has a small pouch for carrying things.

Obviously as a complete novice in this I stand to be corrected on any point I have made but right or wrong, I’m finding that my system is working for me.

Briefly, before I finish. I had a phone call from a man called Bob Howard. He is a member of our British Legion in Wimborne. He had seen my sponsorship form on the notice board and would like to sponsor me. He said that the event had a special place in his heart because his brother had been in charge of the operation. He then explained that his brother was Maj John Howard. We have arranged to meet up next week for lunch to have a chat - I'll let you more as it progresses...