I'm interested in running a marathon for the first time. To start the training stages, how do I know the exact distance that I have covered? Is there any kind of device that can measure that while I'm running so I don't over or under train? Thanks

I use www.mapmyrun.com to mark a good course close to where I live and about the distance I want to go. I also have a garmin forerunner 301 that I use to keep my pace, track my distance and monitor my heart rate. It comes with some cool software so all you have to do is connect the forerunner to your pc/laptop, upload your run and review on-line. You can also program the forerunner to mark laps at every mile, or whatever you want. Plus many many more options. I bought mine at www.walmart.com and had it delivered to a walmart close to me.

I hope that helps.

I spent many days retracing my running routes in a car trying to figure my distance and mileage. Save yourself some time and angst and buy a garmin. I love it!! They are pricey but worth the money. Mine tracks mileage, time, pace and when you upload to your computer it shows you on google earth where you've been. Just finished my second marathon and my garmin kept me on schedule. I got mine at REI.

Oh yes, definitely a good investment toward your kit. I was using average pace as a measurement of mileage and found it was off by a good half mile, usually half mile shorter than I wanted to go that day. Hills and wind can make my pace vary greatly, apparently! And the Garmin lets me run more trails without having to map it out or retrace it... which I can't do on trails anyway!

Question: My training program is having issues with Windows Vista... it was fine for the first few times, and now it won't open at all. Any suggestions on how to get it working?

Cheers,
Emily