Most top track middle-distance runners tend to reach their peak between their fourth and seventh race of the season, and track world records are more likely to be set in July than May. For them, the best way of training is to race the distance

to at least 10mph (even if you’re not a fast runner, you’ll need this for sprint intervals), and a decent warranty length.Home models have certainly come on since the last time RW looked at them, two years ago. For a reasonable outlay of £1,000- £2

, quickens your stride, expands stride length, develops your cardiovascular system, enhances your running economy and can even protect your leg muscles against soreness. In short, hill running will make you a stronger, faster and healthier runner. What’s more

with everything you need to get started in record time. GETTY IMAGES Beginners' BasicsSpeedwork is a challenging way to train, and can cause injuries if you're not careful. When you start running, your cardiovascular fitness and muscles develop very

Weight 378gEvaluation Version eight of Saucony’s Shadow won’t disappoint many of the runners who’ve grown to love this enduring series. Its great strengths – durability, ride and fit – are all here, although there have been some tweaks. The most

Weight 336gEvaluation For 10 years, the GT-2000 series has been the standard by which all other stability shoes are measured. It offers a near-perfect blend of cushioning, stability and fit. So every time Asics updates this gem, we pray

shoe designed for biomechanically neutral runners. Frankly it’s hard to recommend you spend £90 on the new Ride, unless you particularly like the fit and the look, and you’re light enough to prevent the extremely soft rearfoot cushioning bottoming out

or a seamless design in crucial areas such as the heel and across the toes to cut out chafing and blisters. Fit Ensure the fit is snug and look for elasticated sections around the arch and across the top cuff, which help to keep the sock in place

shortcoming and become more excited by the fact that other companies have been shaken up to produce better products to try to match it. Except for the rather bulky 2050, our only issue over the latest models has been with fit – a fraction loose in the midfoot

not offer the support a runner needs because it doesn't properly wrap and support the foot. Improper fit can even lead to plantar fasciitis. Fit tip Not only does your foot slightly lengthen as it hits the ground with each stride, it also spreads out, so