cola is exactly a pristine product of mother nature, but this popular fizzy drink delivers useful carbs as well as performance-enhancing caffeine. Try it Drink flat or fizzy cola on long, steady runs and you'll stay well hydrated as well as delivering

sports scientists have recorded similar findings, but stress that this strategy only works over shorter distances. "Some data suggests that starting fast enhances the transport of oxygen and resultant energy production, termed oxygen uptake kinetics

. The time was also an age-group British record, and is good enough to put her on the elite start at the 2006 Flora London Marathon alongside the slightly younger likes of Paula Radcliffe.It’s running in such youthful company, albeit generally on a more

Have you ever finished a race in a sweaty, sopping mess, your kit wallpapered to your body and your hair looking like you've just been for a fast spin in a washing machine? Sweating is an inevitable - and essential - by-product of exercise