calories even while you're sitting at your desk at work or on the sofa recovering from your run. Hold on, though, before you reach for that extra chocolate croissant. Runners face a frustrating truth: research has shown that the post-workout metabolic rate

20, April 1Oakley 20 (Bedfordshire, April 1) Another great pre-marathon workout, this undulating, rural race runs through the pretty chocolate-box villages of Bedfordshire, and is often praised for its seasonal scenery, most notably the daffodil

- lend this fixture a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, while the promise of a post-race chocolate bar, banana and medal should act as a great incentive for runners struggling up the renowned incline towards the finish. Now in its fourth year, the race

road race promises to be just as popular ever.National Highlights...Blackmore Vale Half-Marathon (Dorset, February 3) Patchwork-quilt fields, chocolate-box hamlets, an imposing chalk escarpment and a spattering of dairy farm outbuildings

member of the Centurion Running Club in Birmingham. "People kid themselves into making excuses that crisps are for the kids' lunchboxes, or those chocolate biscuits are for their spouse's tea, when in reality it's for them. If you take temptation out

along the cliffs before heading back through the historic mining district of Pool. At the finish, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for your efforts with a Cornish pasty, chocolate and a medal. More long-distance highlights...Wymondham 20 (Norfolk, March

’s organisers pride themselves on making all runners welcome. The race is built on its inclusive atmosphere, with jelly beans and chocolate on hand at drinks stations to help entrants push on. Previous years have welcomed tired runners over the finish line

single-lap road route starting and finishing in Bourton-on-the-Water and touring the chocolate-box Cotswold villages of Clapton, Sherborne, Windrush, Great Barrington and Great Rissington, the Hilly Half promises glorious views of the West Country

hours; and the weekends are cold, damp and miserable. Your first triathlon of the year may be months away. All things considered, staying in bed with a mug of hot chocolate has much more appeal than a bone-numbing bike ride. After all, missing one little

. But the beautiful coastal scenery and solidarity among the runners is enough to lift the spirits of anyone finding the climbs tough. If you're flagging, just make it to the next drinks station for a cheering spread of chocolate, hot drinks, hot cross buns