the other athletes in all but the swim. I came back mentally tougher and a bit leaner, having made most of the sessions, with a strong idea of what I needed to do and with no fear of open-water swimming (but still terrified of sharks).In early May I had

3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 1) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ----Batfink, 3:00:42The best moment: feeling like a proper athlete crossing Tower Bridge and taking the time to look at the crowds that seemed to be 20 deep in all places. Oh, and running

and knowing I was looking strong.Sprinting up Birdcage Walk knowing I was going to make it. Having strangers rooting for me, hearing my name shouted multiple times was a terrific buzz, and made me feel like a world class athlete - not the average 4.12-er I

as fitness. "Many athletes from northern states in the US do just fine with this approach during winter," he says.Thirsty workIt's easy to forget the fluids when training in the cold because we sweat less and often don't feel as thirsty. However, according

culminates with a stretch across Vanbrugh's Grand Bridge before an incline that more than one competitor has described as "painful."FROM THE TOP "The race has always had a unique feel. You can't fail to take good photos of athletes with Blenheim Palace, a

you get through hardships, as it puts things in perspective. It also stretches the brain, enabling you to think more broadly about what you can do as a human and as an athlete," says Thompson.5. Club together Coach Mark Shepherd says that joining a

virtual world that unfolds before you on your screen, turning riding in your home into a very special event. In Tacx's virtual worlds, rider movements are natural and their pedal strokes perfect. We say: This trainer is for the serious athlete who loves

able to make it round the athletics track in under 90 seconds and without finding it fascinating to discuss the relative merits of control versus stability shoes. Not everyone feels the need to be coached as part of a group – after all, getting away

using the Training, General or Beginners folders. Or check out UK Athletics' club list - all standards are welcomed, and you're bound to find one near you.Here's to a new chapter in your running life! The dos and don’ts of training with a partner

of real-life runners – from Runner’s World readers to Runner’s World staff, scientific researchers to elite athletes – and asked them point-blank: what training methods have worked best for you?Their answers were as varied and imaginative as runners