Agyness Deyn takes up boxing for marathon

Agyness Deyn has taken up boxing during her training for the London Marathon.

The British supermodel - who is taking part in the charity run with designer Henry Holland on Sunday (17.03.11) - says she has been working with a coach in the US to help prepare for challenge.

She told Britain's The Times newspaper: "A friend suggested I would be good at boxing because of my long limbs, so I joined his gym in downtown New York. My coach has such a good name - Action Jackson.

"I didn't think about what would happen if I got injured - you have to live your life."

The 28-year-old beauty says she hopes to complete the 26.2-mile race by trying to forget about how long it is and is taking inspiration from the Tom Hanks movie 'Forrest Gump', in which he runs for days at a time.

She said: "My tactic for getting through the 26 miles is to go steady and stop thinking about how far I have to go. Like Forrest Gump, I just keep running."

Agyness also keeps in good shape by watching what she eats but doesn't deny herself treats.

She explained: "I try to be aware of what food I put in my body, and I eat lots of green veg and juices. That doesn't mean I'll deny myself a burger and chips, but it might mean I will make it myself, so I know what's in it."