You’re unlikely to have enough time to put in the miles of running you need to acquire the base aerobic fitness of a world-class marathon athlete. However, you can improve your distance running by working out to increase your endurance and strengthen your stabilising muscles, which will also guard against injury.

‘Core stability is important because you can only stay strong in your running style if your upper and lower body work together through your core,’ says Robinson.

Warming up properly before a race or training run will reduce the risk of injury and help you to start at race pace to post an excellent time or a high-quality session.

The first three exercises here will improve your endurance, the second three are a pre-race warm-up.