from supporters and runners, and the front and the back of pack, and they condense a lifetime's emotions into 26.2 miles.Don't forget: the accounts of achievement at the back of the pack are usually at least as awesome as the stories of speed

. That said, he acknowledges that sticking to the same year-round training routine without a break is hard. "Most people need some time off, if only for the mental break," he says. "At least once a year, certainly after a marathon, cut back on mileage and cut

another. When you can lift a weight 15 times easily, set it at a higher level. Five pounds is a good increase for upper-body exercises; 10lb for the lower-body.Eating Strategies That Burn CaloriesWhile you’re revving up your running, ease back a little

, let alone refill your back-borne water bladder.What's In A Name?What's the difference between hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic drinks?A hypotonic drink is more dilute than your body fluids (ie there are fewer particles – sugars/electrolytes per 100ml

nearly went flying!! Back to main stories index 5 hours+, page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

it normally takes 30 seconds to get your heart rate back to, say 120 or 100 yet one day it takes much longer, say a minute or 90 seconds, this is often a warning sign that you've been overtraining or are about to come down with an illness. Whatever the cause

little less so. By halfway up the slope, I realised – I can handle this. As I look back now on those last gruelling miles, it's not the pain that I recall most vividly. Instead, I remember my capacityto endure it. Outsmart Pain: How to mentally fight

is as good as a rest, as you will come back relaxed, but also fitter." Training camps can also provide a boost to your training and confidence after a long, dark winter. Former Olympic coach Steve Trew is the founder of Personal Best (www

, but not straight at the time your hand is submerged - it only fully extends under the water. Once your arm is pushing back (when the hand has passed the elbow), the elbow begins to straighten. Keep your fingertips down when pulling through the water. When your arm

... competing for more than 60 prizes on offer; superb Highlands scenery; out-and-back routes; flat, fast races. Virgin London MarathonWhen: April 17 Where: London 2010 Rating: 89%Run this if you like: taking part in the UK's largest marathon; soaking up