Although most endurance athletes are pretty knowledgeable on the nutritional requirements to prepare optimally for training and competition, the importance of recovery is often overlooked. However, without adequate recovery, the capacity to maintain

It would seem natural that your heart rate monitor should be your greatest ally when it comes to race day – but as ever, the reasoning is not that simple. While you can use your experience from previous competitions to your advantage, you'll find

monthly prize of £100 of prime Asics kit. Not a member yet? Register here, free, to enjoy our forums, event calendar, newsletter, competitions and more! VITAL STATISTICS I am... Male 59%Female 41%Average Age.. Male 37 yearsFemale 33 years MY RUNNING I

ages and abilities.Despite competition from another long-standing local club, Poole Runners’ plethora of qualified coaches and its willingness to throw out the welcome mat to new runners has seen membership grow to nearly 350. They range from aged

Should you snog before you jog? Athletes traditionally abstain from sex before big competitions. Muhammad Ali wouldn't do it from six weeks before a fight, while footballers in the 1970s adopted the mantra: 'Nothing after Wednesday if you're playing

.However, what lies behind this bragging is the hard fact that I took weekly swimming lessons for ten years and yet was never picked for any sort of competitive team. I may look beautiful in the water, but I am SLOW. A manatee rather than a shark, if you will

and bridleways. Even in city areas like London, you can work your way from one park to the next.Step Up To CompetitionTriathletes love to race, so why not work in a little off-season competition to your training? There is a growing number of off-road events

-to-firm cross-country race, this is your shoe (a spike will still have the edge in slippery mud).As its 1970s looks hint, the Lightfoot is designed for the fell running market, and it’s a far more competition-oriented shoe than the good but sturdier Equipment

that wraps slightly higher on either side of the base of the heel to augment the already good rearfoot stability.In short Always a top-four shoe in the highly competitive £70 stability market, the Adrenaline now has better forefoot cushioning. If you’re a mid

around, but it’s protective, very well made and competitively priced.Try it if you liked Montrail Leona Divide (£55); Timberland Pathseeker (£70); Adidas Brahma (£60)