Running 26 miles is a ridiculously long way, but can you imagine what it's like to prepare for?

There's no doubt about it, the marathon is one heck of a challenge.

And Ireland's Sonia O'Sullivan is the latest star to have fancied a crack at it.

After triumphing in the Great North Run, super Sonia decided to pound the streets of New York in her very first race at this distance.

Kenya's Joyce Chepchumba romped to victory, with Sonia trailing in 12th in a time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, 6 seconds.

Chepchumba left Sonia and co trailing in NY

No podium finish admittedly but the Olympic 5,000 metres silver medallist will have learned a huge amount and may well come out of it a better and stronger athlete.

Paula Radcliffe made it look easy at London this year when she left all her rivals in her wake on her marathon debut.

So what is actually involved in getting ready for this gruelling event?

If you think it takes a few weeks of running to the shops with half a bottle of water and a bowl of pasta the night before, then think again.

And who better to tell us what exactly is involved than Sonia's coach.

Click on the above buttons as Alan Storey reveals all to the Academy.

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Super Sonia

8 weeks to go

Marathon diet

Final countdown

Did you know?

The marathon distance (26.2 miles) began at the 1908 London Olympics so that the course could start at Windsor Castle and end in front of the Royal Box

INTERNET LINKS >>
::	Sonia O'Sullivan official site
::	UK Athletics
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