We are never going to claim that running a marathon personal best is easy. Even if you've never run a marathon before, there's no guarantee you'll walk away with a new mark. You might have completed every training session; treated each ache as soon

patterns in your training can help identify mistakes too: do you set off too fast and tire quickly? Just how steep was that hill? There’s a huge variety of kit available, from add-ons for mobile phones and iPods, to powerful wrist units with footpods

is generally considered to be the best choice of GPS for runners and its top-end Forerunner 305 shows why. An SDM with HRM, the 305’s many useful features include a virtual training partner and mapping function; you can also download RW’s marathon schedules

limitless rain and sweat, but washes off easily with baby oil or an alcohol wipe.Good for: marathon men (and women!)Goody Stayput Hairbands, from £3.10 www.goody.comSometimes the simplest ideas are the best, and once you've tried these natural

. The elite awards were then presented to the winners at a glittering prize-giving ceremony in London a few days before the Flora London Marathon in April, attended by 10 RW readers who had won tickets in the draw for everyone who voted.So without further ado

count down sequentially, so you can use them to warm up, train and warm down.Can display fat burning as a percentage of the energy that you’re using. Contact: 01454 853573; www.sportstronic.comTimex Marathon Digital £59.99 Digital FM technology

for your anaerobic threshold if you know it. Alternatively, there's a ‚'free' setting to use just the basic functions. A 'marathon' feature allows you to analyse your time and HR for each mile split. Though it's a fairly sophisticated piece of kit, our

marathons and for long training runs. Even heavier neutral runners will find it good for tempo runs, speedwork and shorter races.Contact 01925 241041; www.asics.co.ukBrooks Burn – £65Weight 283gThe shoe The Brooks Burn feels closer to a traditional trainer

of the product is £229 and £259 (with heart-rate monitor). For a full spec on the 405 click here. To review a Garmin product and be in with a chance of winning £50 of Simply Run vouchers click here.To download RW's marathon or half-marathon training schedules

Dark when you get up, dark when you get home from work: with winter holding us fully in its thrall, it's even harder to find the time and motivation to fit your training in. One solution is to incorporate it into your working day – whether it