. With the 900, which offers stability and cushioning in a lightweight package, New Balance appears to be taking on Asics's DS-Trainer. That's great news for any runner looking for a stable shoe for racing and training.With its big two-density medial post, it

should enjoy it for fast training and, despite the name, races up to marathon length.

Every good marathon-training plan should ‘taper’ during the final two or three weeks. That means you run less and rest more. For some people, the idea of backing off on their training just before the big race seems counter-intuitive. "So many

as quickly. A waterproof shoe, they argue, will simply keep any water that seeps, or floods, in to the shoe in the shoe and you'll contract trench foot and be forced to amputate your toes halfway through whatever adventure race you happen to be running

Drinking during most races is pretty simple. Race organisers thoughtfully set up trestle tables with cups, and kindly volunteers hand out energy drinks, water or weak orange squash to parched competitors. Sadly, unless your friends and family

European air fares and hotel prices may enable you to find it cheaper to cross the Atlantic Ocean to test your spring marathon fitness. If you do, you won’t be disappointed by the choice or the quality of these races. Las Vegas Marathon and Half

Big Sur Marathon, CaliforniaIf there's a better excuse for a holiday – and a better way to see the sights – than a foreign race, we don't know it. We asked you to tell us about your favourite overseas events, and the results are tantalisingly good

with RW members: expect a good forum turnout for this flat out-and-back course.City of Norwich Half-Marathon (Norfolk, June 11) Last year more than 1000 runners provided the biggest-ever turnout for this rural race.National Highlights...Harvel 5 (Kent

the experience of the ordinary runner (of course, the two can be related: elite fields draw the TV coverage, which draws crowds, competitors and money to the race). Among other things, we scored the races for beauty, atmosphere and speed. And, hand on heart, we

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Mizuno’s key stability shoe isn’t in the premier league of its Wave Rider, Wave Precision and racing shoes, but it’s a nicely protective