Here's a quick guide to the different types of sports drinkEnergy drinks with electrolytes: the most common, all-round energy drinks. Electrolytes (sodium and potassium) replace the salts lost in sweat and help to reduce cramping, among other things

for the runner – they take the trial and error out of mixing up energy drinks. Marked on the side of the opaque bottles are calibrations that allow you to mix up the SIS product of your choice to exactly the right concentration or consistency. This means that

it in practice runs. As you approach the station look right; most runners prefer to veer left to collect their drink, so the other side is often less crowded. Grab the cup with one hand and instantly cover the cup with the other if you plan to drink it as you run

marathon as I always slow down in the last 3 miles, but recover quickly after the event. My question is how much energy drink should I take on during the marathon to prevent that drop in pace in the last few miles?I don't think it's my endurance as in all

, contact Harris Active Sports Ltd: 01268 491036. COMPETITION RULES* This competition is only open to subscribers to the UK edition of Runner's World magazine. No cash alternative can be substituted for any prize. The winners will be notified of the results

simple mesh pocket for the extras. But it can expand to something with multiple bottles and pouches that could even rival the smaller bladder-based drinks carriers for load-lugging capacity. High 5 Energy Belt – £10 This is the must-have accessory

that builds you up in realistic increments to the date of your race (allowing for one or two easier weeks at the end). If you can use a schedule from RUNNER’S WORLD, a good book, or an accredited coach at your local club, that’s ideal. It will be a tried

with one or two other sports and watch your running performance improve too.TaperingWhat to do, eat and think in the weeks before race-day.Nutrition on the RunEnergy drinks, bananas, tuna sandwiches - what to eat and drink before, during and after a run

comes your way before, during or after the big event (even if it means deferring until next year)The Week BeforeYou have aches and painsYou get illYou’re not sure which target to aim forYou’re restless and full of energyYou have put on weight

the race start: this will give you plenty of time to collect your number if you have to, and warm up, stretch, use the loo and find out last-minute details about the course, the drinks stations and so on. Rushing is a waste of valuable energy, and missing