Start racing faster"To improve your time, you're going to need to run faster throughout the race, not just at the finish. Many racers start too slowly and then end up running too quickly

Standfirst: 4 surefire stride-improvers for mile racingAuthor: Sean Fishpool and Steve SmythePics:Issue date: aug01 /mile panelKeywords:uan59-->There’s more to running than running, as any tuned-in coach will tell you. That’s especially the case

that your hard day really counts. Here's how to set yourself up for success…Elite Secret # 1: Get Strong It's strength and conditioning, particularly around the ankles, knees and hips, that separates elites from mere mortals, according to British distance

, but they'll give you a great energy boost – and you'll associate mile and kilometre markers in races with that boost, and naturally start lifting your knees and heels better." Elite Secret # 6: Recover - For Real Respect the easy day. Going too far or too

health to take part in the world’s greatest race.During the raceFocus – but focus on the moment, not on how many miles remain. Think about your form, breathing and pace. This will build confidence and help you to remain relaxed. It’s only natural for your

hobble when they first get off the bike, running with smaller, more frequent strides as their hips and knees struggle to adjust. You're going wrong when: You run geisha-style, with exaggeratedly precise steps. Spend the last few minutes of the cycle

sessions work in training for longer distances. I train up to 90 miles a week with two speed sessions, three tempo runs and one long slow run of up to 26 miles, and so far my only injury has been a strained MCL (knee) from landing badly on a rock on a race

1. Sleep well"In reality, trying to sleep well the night before a race never works," says triathlon coach Rick Kiddle (www.rickkiddle.com). "The best sleep will be the night before the night before. Many athletes can survive with little sleep

on show, and your knees outwards to give a little more stability. He suggests that you keep your backside fairly close to the saddle. "It's also very important to be relaxed and let the bike feel its way." If your body is tense you won't enjoy the race

on a shorter race distance for this spring and postpone your marathon goal for a year.Do you have people to train with?Your preparations will be easier if you can find a partner, or better still, a small group to go out with. The added motivation