-suited to bigger runners. It’s also moderately heavy, though not as heavy as the Shox R4. The ‘no’ is in that, while Nike focuses on the ultra-long-lasting, springy rearfoot cushioning of Shox, Adidas emphasises the guidance of the foot through a stable gait cycle

, particularly high-impact training like running, after a back injury, you must tread carefully (no pun intended). Start with a month of low-impact exercise, such as cycling or using an elliptical trainer in the gym, to re-develop your cardiovascular fitness

commitments. And experiment with cross-training. If you give cycling and swimming a go you could progress to trying a triathlon. But above all, don’t waste precious years and then regret it later. —Bud Baldaro, coach and RW Contributing Editor

inhibit your running. Consider, for example, the massive quadriceps of some professional cyclists – some of them seem to hang over their knee-caps: great for cycling, but useless for running.I use strength training less to run fast or to look good

through the gait cycle. It retails at £130. You can find out more at www.gel-kinsei.com, or on our review pages – where some initial reviewers are proving hard to shift from their existing Asics...

)and runners-up:Ellie Katona (London)Adam Lloyd (Lichfield)Daniel Measor (London)David Mayfield (Nottingham)Neil Cubbon (Ellesmere Port)March 22 - Start CyclesEdward Halliwell (Helsby)March 23 - Chain Reaction TriDonald Smith (Bangor)March 24 - Chain Reaction

Most runners who are considering their first triathlon can cope with the cycling aspect of the event. It's the swimming that scares the life out of them. But it shouldn't, as long as they know the basics. "Gifted swimmers simply have a better

the back of a build phase.  Check your kitA kit check is always worthwhile; pay special attention to your footwear for both running and cycling. Small alterations in foot position can make a huge difference to the calf and knee. A bike fit is essential

(did not finish).Get enoughExperienced triathletes will tell you that the best way to prepare your gastrointestinal system for the fuelling challenges of the triathlon is by practising eating and drinking during cycling and running under simulated

from cycling clubs.Group ridingBy all means ride on someone's wheel, but only do so if you're confident. Hand signals to other riders are important - point downward to draw attention to hazards."Verbal communication and hand signals are key," says Les