's running to or from the office, or taking your trainers out for a spin at lunchtime. We tested backpacks of all shapes and sizes to find the eight best to lug your life (and kit) around in.TESTING CRITERIA Comfort Did the straps dig in or melt

When Runner's World readers were asked to list their essential kit last year, heart-rate monitors came out on top. Unfortunately for the female runner, using a heart-rate monitor is usually an uncomfortable experience, requiring 10 minutes before

Running on a British winter’s day can be a temperature-regulation lottery. If you look out of the window before a run and notice frost glistening on the lawn, it’s tempting to pull on several layers of your warmest kit. Be blinded by bright sunshine

Welcome to the Runner's World Shoe Buyer's Guide, proof that running continues to grow despite the downturn: with more manufacturers launching into the UK market and a wider range of shoes from the big brands, we've reviewed 42 new models in our

Many running shorts come with webbing to act as built-in underwear – but these can chafe or, for men, may not provide enough support. Wearing sports briefs under your shorts can make your running more comfortable. Here's what to look for

Being able to see how fast and how far you're going while you're running is one of the best ways to get the most out of your training and keep motivation levels high. Speed and distance monitors come in different shapes, sizes, prices and levels

-neutral runners? The North Face: Arnuva 50 Boa, £90Weight 355g A versatile shoe, the Arnuva 50 Boa can be used to run on trails, muddy dirt paths and even road. Snug and responsive, its weight belies the fact that it packs a lot of technology. A dual-density EVA

Gone are the days when runners would rate our efforts based on the colour of their cheeks after a run. Heart-rate monitors are now so easy to use, affordable and accurate that there's no excuse for skipping the science bit in your training. Most

For the multitude of people who find listening to music beneficial while training, there’s nothing more irritating than having your favourite track ruined by headphones that sound tinny or work themselves loose on the run. There are many different

It’s not so long ago that speed and distance judgement was regarded as a skill acquired by those prepared to invest years in their running. For a substantial investment of a different kind you can now literally have this expertise on your wrist