Running the marathon

ALASTAIR CAMPBELL


Alastair Campbell, 45, Downing Street spin doctor

This is my first marathon. But I've been running between 40 and 50 miles every week - I've got through six pairs of trainers in two years. I often train with Hugh Jones, one of Britain's best-ever marathon runners.

My motto is: "Get the miles in wherever you can. As for food, I eat those ghastly food gels every hour when running. And my chocolate intake has risen. My only fears are about turning up on the right place on the day and finishing it.

My best tip for fellow competitors? If you think about it too much, you won't do it. Decide to do it, get in the miles, then go for it. "

Campbell, who has installed a treadmill in his north London home to improve his stamina levels, is raising funds for the Leukaemia Research Fund. The disease killed his closest friend, John Merritt, at 35, and, six years later, Merrit's nine-year-old daughter, Ellie.

He was the one colleague to support Campbell when he suffered a breakdown, brought on by stress and heavy drinking. Of this period, Campbell has said: "What my breakdown did was sort out who my real friends were."

He told how Merritt came to see him while he was having psychiatric care, and handed him a bag containing three marbles. He told him simply: "Don't lose them again, mate."

This memory has fuelled Campbell's determination to run this year's London Marathon.

JASON FLEMYNG

Jason Flemyng, 35, who starred in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch

I first ran the London Marathon in 1999. I train with Ken Lomas, who runs the Leukaemia Research Running Team. He nags us to train, and every week I try to run a little over the marathon distance so I can go in strong. I tell myself that every mile is the last mile.

My best friend and my brother are running, too, which is an excellent incentive because we're very competitive.

The other great motivator is the charity. I'm running for the Leukemia Research Fund. Asics supply my trainers. Me being a wally, I want to wear what the top runners wear.

Once you reach the right level of fitness, the rest is in your head. Recognise that anyone can do it - and that it will be one of the best days of your life.

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