Listen to your legs not your watchI started off running on a treadmill and, like you, had a big shock when I started running outdoors. Having said that, once I got used to running outside I've really never looked back. It’s easier in lots of ways to ignore
alternate knee lifts (swinging one leg back and forth, then the other), kicking alternate heels back to your bottom and jogging on the spot all do the trick. Don't bother with pre-run stretching - it reduces muscle power. Take flicking an elastic band
Training on hills will make you a stronger, faster and healthier runner, improving your leg-muscle strength, boosting your cardiovascular system, and protecting your leg muscles against soreness. Knowing these benefits won't make tackling them any
course is surely also part of the draw – the anti-clockwise loop through the neighbouring locales of Bredbury and Romiley boasts two challenging climbs that, while not murderously steep, are mischievously positioned just where your legs will feel them
- flock to the 'Pearl of the South' each year, eager to stretch their legs over what is billed as one of the fastest half-marathon (and marathon) courses in the world. But while quick times are most definitely there for the chasing, there's plenty to enjoy
of baby oil on your arms and legs to stop the water from sitting on you - it just rolls off instead! – Simon 7Choose your fabrics carefully What sort of T-shirt do you use? It’s best to avoid cotton, it just soaks up the water. There are plenty
and burns additional calories while allowing your legs time to recover from the repetitive load of running.Exercising places stress on your joints and muscles, so concentrating on a single sport (such as running) will mean the same muscles are always under
is a great way to approach training, but you'll have to incorporate some planning if you are aiming for a half-marathon. As long as you get the long runs in, and mix it up with some shorter/faster/hillier stuff you will be fine. Listening to your legs
-busting, leg-crumbling hills are offset by stunning rural views as the route weaves through woodland, fields and parkland, while the ground adjacent to the track is carpeted with crimson-red poppies and ox-eyed daisies. Enter now to avoid disappointment
legs.More hill-ridden highlights... Trollers Trot 24 (North Yorkshire, March 1)West Wight Three Hills 8 (Isle of Wight, March 24)Exe to Axe (Devon, March 30)Fradley 10K, March 9 Fradley 10K (Staffordshire, March 9) City-centre spectaculars
