realise that you don’t have to be a fast runner to achieve great times. I always skipped the sections on speed in RUNNER’S WORLD because I was convinced that speed training was for the elite, or for runners who could run at least seven- or eight

of the race. Most runners set time targets, but make sure your happiness isn't resting entirely on bagging that sub-3.30 marathon, or coming top in your club's league. Success is best measured in terms of progress towards your own goals – goals you can control

sport, such as Tour de France cyclists, are not world-class marathon runners. Although elite cyclists exercise most of the muscle groups used in running, they do so in a very different way.Plenty of research has been carried out in this area, with some

Fraser Cartmell, Crawford is used to working with elite athletes who have a core as strong as Captain America's. My core, however, is as soft as a piece of badly bruised fruit. "Now close your eyes and remember to scoop and clench," says Crawford with a

," he says. "Speed up a little after that until you reach the last 10 per cent of the race. Then you should give it your all." Half measures Another way to approach the negative split is that adopted by many elite runners. They run the first half of a

and music, and fields of up to 10,000 runners. Still, there are advantages in going small, too: you’ll probably find that a low-key event is easier in terms of travel and getting to the start, for instance.Races are usually advertised in local sports centres

hours before the race," says Steve Worthington, an elite triathlete with a third-place finish in the Windsor Triathlon to his name.Closer to the race, Worthington may eat a banana and drink a little sports drink or squash. "In theory, I should be well

It’s unlikely you’ll win every race you enter but you can be a winner every time you race by beating yourself and setting a new PB. Here are nine tips that work.Strong LegsMany runners assume that because they run, they don’t need to do leg

triathlons in the UK and I couldn't disagree, but the picture-postcard surroundings of Bala make all the pain worthwhile. The race has become a Mecca for the Runner's World Pirates triathlon club. With so many of us at the race, the support is fantastic