responded to a request placed by us on the forums earlier this year. We wanted beginner runners who were willing to take on a massive challenge – to get from virtually nothing to 26.2 miles in time for the 2004 Flora London Marathon.Over the coming months

chances of injury.—Rob Spedding, RW Staff Writer

they wish they’d known before taking their first running steps. The lessons they’ve learned will apply to you too and put your mind at rest.If you're a Runner's World UK magazine subscriber, you can see all 20 here. Otherwise, enjoy these 5 as a preview

. Everything became easier when I started running with other people in my office. I was running more regularly, I made progress more quickly because I was training with people who were better than me and it was more fun. Rob SpeddingYears Running 7Fast running

and race at," says Gardener. "For instance I know that if I run a marathon at 145bpm, I won't be slowing down at the end or that 156 will result in a decent 10K." Julie-Anne Ryan is another runner who discovered that her running improved after she purchased

heart rate that you're aiming for (eg 60 per cent for an easy run would be 150 x 0.60 = 90), and add it to your resting heart rate: 90 + 56 = 146. The final figure is your working heart rate. Sample Sessions: 60% Recovery run - this will feel slow

from total time, lap time, HR or time of day.Contact: 0800 056 1640; www.nike.comReebok Precision Trainer £129.99Displays both HR in beats per minute and as a percentage of maximum HR.Press a single button while running and watch scans through maximum

and responsive, yet supportive enough for moderate overpronators, and perfect for long slow runs, short slow runs and, eventually, tempo-sessions and even marathons. And at £60 they represent excellent value for money.Contact 0800 056 1640; www.nike.comBest All