’s not windy – fast. Excellent road and rail connections mean Amsterdam is within easy reach if The Hague’s museums, 15th- to 18th-century architecture, royal palace and parks don’t appeal as much as those funny coffee shops. Contact: SMC B.V., Postbus 21955

New Balance 900 – £70 Why it's the best Few of us can wear out-and-and-out racing shoes, we need padding and support. But that doesn't stop us wanting shoes that make us feel fast. With the excellent Nike Air Zoom Elite or Brooks Burn, that's exactly what

shoe for fast, long runs. It's also very stable for such a light shoe – thanks to a version of Mizuno's Wave plate that extends into and supports the midfoot. The real beauty of the Aero, though, is its mega-responsive ride. The all-rounder for you if

started her slow-to-fast journey, though, Gardener needed to invest in some electronic gadgetry. "I bought a heart-rate monitor after my second marathon,"says the 44-year old from Hayling Island in Hampshire. "I found a thread on the www

choice. Tons of grip, a stable, low profile midsole and a fast, fun ride make the Mudroc a truly great off-roader that threatens to be around for years.Contact: 01388 526500; www.inov-8.comJack Of All Trades… Timex Bodylink System – from £115Until Timex

be the ultimate marathon shoe. We can't vouch for the effectiveness of the spring, but the Mythos is smooth, cushioned and responsive. Another model suited to efficient, fast marathon runners.Swap and Save If you usually race in Diadora Mythos Axeler, change

. Everything became easier when I started running with other people in my office. I was running more regularly, I made progress more quickly because I was training with people who were better than me and it was more fun. Rob SpeddingYears Running 7Fast running

to an average of 83 and a maximum of 111 - the two-for-one sausages offer was pretty exciting. "I'm amazed by your shopping heart rates," says Dunbar. "I'd expect them to be higher, you must enjoy it more than most people."—Rob SpeddingAs well as keeping you

between the sheets really could help. "If you're aiming for a five-hour marathon, but arrive at the first mile and find yourself going too fast, you know what to do – slow down, find the right rhythm and get yourself back on track," says Dr Petra Boynton

likely to need on a sports watch, unless you’re a serious adventurer. If you are it’s a great tool with an altimeter, compass and barometer, as well as a stopwatch. The stopwatch will record 30 laps, and the Advizor also keeps a note of the how fast