Getty ImagesThe conundrum: push yourself too hard and run yourself into the ground. Don’t push yourself hard enough and never improve. The answer: start listening to your heart, not your head, by using a heart rate monitor (HRM). What does a HRM do?Training using an HRM makes sur...

it succeeds. There’s nothing like glancing down at your arm and realizing your band is still in the red and you’ve missed your target for the fifth day in a row, to get you into your kit and out the door. It’s not the cheapest beginner-targeted gadget at £139

.www.lloydspharmacy.comPolar RS200, £95 The RS200 is designed specifically for running and as a result has stacks of features useful to both beginners and serious athletes. It has features unique to Polar including Own Zone which uses heart-rate variability during your warm

own personal trainer and coach sitting on your wrist. We’ll guide you through the key features of some of the best monitors on the market from simple, budget models ideal for beginners, right through to the most advanced, all-singing, all-dancing, PC

.Contact 0161 419 2500; www.adidas.com/ukBest For BeginnersNike Air Perseus – £60Why it's the best There are a number of great all-rounders out there that offer a combination of stability and cushioning to make them an excellent first shoe. Models like

for your anaerobic threshold if you know it. Alternatively, there's a ‚'free' setting to use just the basic functions. A 'marathon' feature allows you to analyse your time and HR for each mile split. Though it's a fairly sophisticated piece of kit, our

running. The unit is also very easy to use and understand with my only major gripe being the poor illumination from the Indiglo light. Functionality wise, its quite basic and even beginner runners might outgrow its capabilities within a few months. Overall

runners. Good For Beginners or runners who prefer no frills. How It Rated Comfort/Stability 6 Functionality 7 Durability 6 Weight/Bulk 7 Added Extras 5 Inov-8 Race Pro 12, £53 Water Capacity 2L Contact www.inov-8.com This was one

GETTY IMAGESIf you’re just getting started, don’t be befuddled by terms like wicking, pronation or GPS. Get everything you need - not what the shop assistant wants to sell you – with our guide to key kit essentials.If you’ve been running for a

' (i.e. body-shaped) and it might not hide the more prominent belly!Overall: When I started running, like most beginners I simply used an old cotton T-shirt. The Nike Sphere Dri-fit top was the first technical shirt I ever bought and I’ve never