Every year, thousands of people are inspired to don their running shoes and take on the challenge of a marathon. On the road to the finish line, though, many marathon hopefuls fall by the wayside, struck down by injury. Plans that are too intensive or that don't prepare the body for running and ignore correct technique are largely to blame. Nikalas Cook adopts a cross-training approach to running. He incorporates functional strength training, complementary activities such as cycling and swimming, and only three focused running sessions per week into his plan to deliver runners to the finish line 100 per cent prepared and injury-free. In just over six months, you can go from complete non-runner, through your first 5k/10k half-marathon to success in the full 26.2 miles of the marathon.