to be for that week (at least) and what each session is supposed to achieve. Write a list of your motives and goals and how it all works in the bigger picture, from fartleks to longer endurance runs. On a purely practical level, this means that you can get the right

Clubs regularly attend races as a teamThe days when running clubs were the sole preserve of ultra-competitive elite racers hell-bent on crushing the opposition at all costs and putting in more hours than Geb or Paula are thankfully long-gone. With hundreds of clubs catering fo...

they need to function properly," says Edwards. "Deep, long breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing down your heart rate and reducing anxiety." My last race was a shocker – and now I've lost my motivation What's happening That brick

-training, injury and lack of motivation, so it's in your interests to be realistic and up to date," explains Frapwell. "To develop as a runner, training at the right pace is essential. Base your targets on current fitness levels." Run a time trial of 2K as fast

they need to function properly," says Edwards. "Deep, long breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing down your heart rate and reducing anxiety." My last race was a shocker – and now I've lost my motivation What's happening That brick

-training, injury and lack of motivation, so it's in your interests to be realistic and up to date," explains Frapwell. "To develop as a runner, training at the right pace is essential. Base your targets on current fitness levels." Run a time trial of 2K as fast

the buzz gained from slashing precious seconds off their most vital statistics, but becoming an addict to that rush isn’t best for you in the long run. "Expecting consistent progress is terrible for motivation as it’s simply not possible, from beginners

-buster is great for motivation. I always start my runs with a walk until I feel mentally prepared to pick up the pace, and if I don't feel like it, I just walk and enjoy it for what it is." 2. FAT IS YOUR FRIEND "Certain 'diet' foods backfire because they leave

an excellent platform to build on." Elite Secret # 4: Run With PurposeElite runners never forget their purpose, says endurance coach Martin Yelling (active-futures.com). Each run has a focus, which increases motivation, gives training structure and ultimately

slashing precious seconds off their most vital statistics, but becoming an addict to that rush isn’t best for you in the long run. "Expecting consistent progress is terrible for motivation as it’s simply not possible, from beginners to Olympic athletes