GETTY IMAGES Better sleep. That's all that could be standing between you and a new PB. Too good to be true? Not according to Mara Yamauchi, who set a new marathon PB (2:25:03) at the International Women's Marathon in Tokyo in November. "Sleep is one

Colgan. Elite Secret # 2: Get LooseElite runners take their warm-up seriously. "You need to spend at least 20 to 30 minutes warming up, jogging two to three miles interspersed with dynamic strides and drills," says Richard Holt, elite coach at momentumsports

P20 Once A Day (£18.45 for 200ml from chemistdirect.co.uk). If you have fair skin or a family history of melanoma, consider sun protective clothing and avoid midday runs. You should also have a coffee before you go, advise dermatologists from

It's an all too common story: runner sets achievable goals; runner puts in the necessary physical training to meet goals; runner falls short on race day. So, what's the problem? Could it be that you're spending too much time becoming a stronger

home." Find clubs by postcode and proximity at goodrunguide.co.uk. Fringe Benefits As well as potentially reduced race costs, there are other extras you might want to ask about. "The £20 a year I pay is more than offset with discounts at local

of Running Well (£14.99, amazon.co.uk). "Working backwards from your goal, incorporating all the other stuff in life you have to fit around your training – from kids to work – will help you identify what is realistic in your specific time frame." Get it down