THERE have been many times I’ve sat at my desk and imagined running away from work.

So last Thursday, I did – I’ll do it again, too.

I understand the importance of getting some serious miles in at this stage, with less than two months to go until the big day in Prague.

Tony McCarthy, a Warrington Athletics Club coach who also trains the group I run with in Birchwood on Tuesdays, has explained how important the next four weeks are before tapering down towards the marathon.

With that in mind, and with the evenings now staying lighter for longer, I’ve decided running from work at The Academy to my home in Salford is a great way to up the amount of miles I’m doing each week.

The route I take comes in at just under 15 miles, and I’ll complement that this weekend by looking for my first 20-miler.

Louise Blizzard, Birchwood’s former England marathon runner, says now is a difficult period in training – with the hype of signing up long gone, but the finish line still not quite in sight.

“There are a couple of theories about distance to be covered in the build up to a marathon,” explained the mum-of-one.

“I personally think if you can run 22 miles before the day (not the week before!) then the last 4.2 miles will look after themselves.

“It’s almost a different mindset in the marathon itself and although it’s never going to be easy, your mind can make you do the most amazing things even if your legs don’t want to.”

But all this running isn’t half making me hungry.

“You are going to notice that your appetite increases significantly,” said New Balance technical representative and London Olympian Nick McCormick.

“A balanced diet that will help your running includes staying hydrated, reducing unnatural sugars and preservatives and instead focusing on brown (bread, pasta, rice), brightness (salad and fruit) and chicken or fish.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself – rewards along the way such as fish and chips, or a Sunday roast can also help. This is not boot camp and you are not Forrest Gump!”

Mine’s roast beef and Yorkshire puds then, Nick.

Don’t forget, I’m running for St Rocco’s Hospice – Warrington Guardian’s Charity of the Year – and you can donate at personalchallenge.everydayhero.com/uk/alex-bysouth