Thursday 17th January sets the two month countdown for one of the UK’s fastest and most-loved half marathons, the Sage Reading Half. Runners across the country will be preparing their bodies for the 13.1 mile race returning on Sunday 17th March – and there’s still time for you to enter www.readinghalfmarathon.com

Race organiser, Goldline Events, wishes all runners well for the next two months of training. Laura Burke, run coach and senior events manager of the Sage Reading Half Marathon says: “You’ll be settling into your base training through January and February. With March growing closer and closer, mileage will increase along with your ability to be comfortably uncomfortable! You’ll see your confidence rocket, proving to yourself that you can run the distance, your body becoming stronger with each step.”

15,000 runners will be lacing up for the big day, so we’ve got some top tips from the team to help you tick off those training runs:

Keep a diary: track your progress, reward your efforts and your confidence will soar! The weeks will fly by in readiness for your spring half marathon, enjoy the journey and soak up all you’ve achieved ahead of race day. All eyes on that Madejski Stadium finish line and medal around your neck.

Keep your training varied: vary your distances, pace and routes – well-lit parks, city runs or visits to the athletics track are a great way to push your fitness levels. New surroundings always invigorate training programmes so soak up the fresh air and sights of Reading.

Make your safety a priority: with shorter days and darker nights, a hi-vis jacket or reflective headband ensures you can be clearly seen by motorists and cyclists to avoid accidents.

Layer up: running gloves, hat and baselayer; all highly recommended pieces of clothing for your winter training.

Seamless garments that reduce irritation and moisture wicking fabrics that breathe to keep you warm and sweat-free are ideal.

Join a running club.

Arrange to meet with a group of runners, it’ll make the task in hand much easier to complete, you’ll be sipping that post-run hot chocolate before you know it. Training with others adds accountability; you’ll encourage each other when you’re feeling low on energy and motivation, pushing each other to achieve new speeds and distances.

The plans for the 2019 race are in full swing; join us for a world renowned course with roaring crowds, musical talent and inspiring University grounds. A finish like no other awaits for every runner inside the Madejski Stadium, the home of Reading FC.

Six weeks ahead of the London Marathon, the Sage Reading Half is the ideal event to fill that spring race spot, test your legs and practice that marathon pace ahead of the big 26.2 in April. Spaces are still available, sign up now www.readinghalfmarathon.com