-gone. With hundreds of clubs catering for the multifarious runners up and down the country, there's literally something for everyone, from beginner fun-runners to serious pace-setters. Indeed, it's possible to join a running club without ever racing, without being

, but your new training paces might come as a surprise too. Before you get started, work out the right benchmarks to work towards by finding your maximum heart rate. If you're a complete beginner, start off with this very approximate formula: 214 - (0.8 x

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

By its very nature, running is simple: put one foot in front of the other; quickly repeat; keep going. That formula is burned into our brains. For our ancestors, running meant the difference between eating or being eaten, so the skill was there from day one.We don't need gloves, ...

then rolls back out on to the outside section of the forefoot. Shoe: Stability With a good balance of cushioning and support. Also recommended for beginners or if you're increasing your mileage. See our stability shoe pages.The Flat Foot (Bottom

National Highlights...Going Duch on March 12Duchy Marathon (Cornwall, March 12) The second-oldest UK marathon celebrates its 30th birthday this year. It’s a gem of a race, run over a generally flat course, with wonderful Cornish sea views

difference between the two in terms of training volume (though beginners might keep their long runs below 13 miles), and you'll also need a marathon-style approach to diet, rest, mental strength, and the all-important taper. Tapering for a half

the buzz gained from slashing precious seconds off their most vital statistics, but becoming an addict to that rush isn’t best for you in the long run. "Expecting consistent progress is terrible for motivation as it’s simply not possible, from beginners

of the pack belying its size. The pack is extremely rugged and contains numerous pockets and bungees. Our tester found the fit snug and secure and, while the shoulder straps were a bit tricky to adjust on the fly, it was a generally stress-free running

calves (hold dumbbells while doing toe raises). If you've had daily shin pain for longer than a month, see a doctor for a bone scan to rule out a stress fracture.Others at Risk Beginners; people who train on slanted surfaces; women who wear high heels