Break's (almost) over

My training is very much in full swing; I'm doing around 10-12 sessions a week at the moment. My sessions come in 4 brands: swimming, cycling (indoor exercise bike), gym (strength training) and of course running. However, since Birmingham I've relaxed on the running, but used the other disciplines to maintain and hopefully improve fitness levels. My left foot remains a worry so I have eased off on the running, which will also hopefully give added freshness.

Still, the clock is ticking and the Paris Marathon is now five months away. I think it's time to start the real training, by which I mean 3 runs per week, at the heart of which will be my long runs on weekends. I feel ready to start at the 10 mile mark and slowly work my way up. It's crucial to strike a balance between pushing myself and burning out. My other two runs will be a 10k tempo run and intense drill; fartlek or interval.

This schedule alone proved sufficient for the half-marathon and cross training was minimal at best. However, the task has gone up a few notches and to complete a 26.2 mile race, I'll need to draw strength and speed from wherever I can find it. So swimming, cycling and gym will remain a key part of the regime. Gym sessions in particular are a lot more focussed; I am working my way around various gyms within the university, using some purely for calf work and others for upper body.

There is also a 5th variable: diet. I am consciously taking in more protein with a view to build up some strength. I could do with putting on a few kilos but will aim to stay below 65kg. Given that I have digestion issues (more on this another time), this should be easy enough.

I'll be resuming a full schedule next week; the incentive to build up to regular 15+ mile runs is incredible; I just need to take care to avoid a significant injury. So far so good, but I'm set for unchartered territory and have little idea what to expect. Make no mistake, the first marathon is the most daunting. With that, comes the most excitement and my fuel to up the training.