I believe you'll develop speed via strength work which includes hill running, either repeats, or running hilly courses as the Kenyans do on a steady basis

I also feel it usually takes four or five races to hit your best marathon for your body to be accustomed to the training AND the race itself.

To be a consistent winner means preparing not just one day, one month or even one year - but for a lifetime.

My biggest weakness as a endurance athlete has been in not drinking enough water after training, thereby racing sometimes while dehydrated.

I believe in keeping running simple and, in regard to shoes, that would mean no gimmicks, unnecessary cushioning, etc

Aiming for the marathon is a task of sorts which can include terrific highs and lows.

My guess is many top athletes, distance runners included, use performance-enhancing drugs, enough so that the problem must be tackled.