WITH just six weeks to go until the Southampton Race for Life, it’s time to start training.

On July 12 up to 12,000 women of all ages, shapes and sizes will walk, jog or run the 5k Race for Life course around Southampton Common to raise more than half a million pounds for Cancer Research UK.

To get you fit and ready for the big day, Southampton’s world championship bodybuilder and personal trainer Marina Cornwall shares her six-week Race for Life training plan.

Marina says: “Come on lovely ladies let’s show our support by either running or walking the 5k Race for Life. We may have been fortunate enough to have never had a cancer scare, but no doubt we all know someone who has lost a loved one to cancer.

“Race for Life is a non-competitive event and many women choose to walk it. But if you fancy challenging yourself to a run, 5k is a really achievable distance even for beginners. Follow my six week training plan and you’ll be in great shape for July 12.”

MARINA’S RACE FOR LIFE TIPS

■ Make sure you have good trainers for the event and do not leave it to the last minute - you need to break your trainers in. Alexandra Sports in Portsmouth is kindly giving ten per cent discount to all Race for Life runners. Tel: 023 92 698285 ■ Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of the event.

■ It may be warm so wear light loose clothing for comfort.

■ Make sure you stretch well before and after the event.

■ Remember to be on your start point, whether you are running or walking, ten minutes before the race which starts at 11am.

See today's Daily Echo for a special offer for readers at Fitness First gyms