?"It's time to face the cryptic 'cross-training' references on my marathon schedule. What should I do? There's so much choice! Whenever I run more than about 14 miles my upper body gets tired, so I know I need to develop my core strength, but what's the best

choice. Wallow in self-pity, lose your aerobic base, put on weight and make yourself and everyone around you miserable – or get a life. Here's the plan...1. No whining If you love to run, there's no denying that injury downtime can be a

generally have narrower feet than men, so when you’re buying running shoes, your best bet will probably be a pair designed specifically for women. But everyone’s different; if your feet are wide, you may actually feel more comfortable in shoes designed

as important for women runners as wearing decent running shoes. Research by Portsmouth University shows that, on average, a woman’s unsupported breasts move 9cm (each) with every step she runs. "Women think about the wrong things when they buy a sports bra

. The point of the strap is to help with the patella's tracking. See full threadChoosing the right shoes to avoid knee painDon't compromise on shoe choiceVelociraptor - When you buy a pair of shoes don't let the staff hurry you. Try on every single pair

. By not taking in carbohydrate drinks or energy gels during the run, you're giving your body no choice but to go to fat-burning. You will feel fatigued near the end, but that's necessary if you want to get stronger." Should you try it? Don't go out

, but only marginally. It took me 12 years to learn that speedwork was the way to do it."Dave Webber, 46. Years running: 15Buy the right stuff "Shamefully, I used to run in tennis shoes. Then a running friend suggested I try running shoes, and the difference

No doubt you'll agree that if you stick to the principle that all you require is a decent pair of shoes and little else, then running is indeed a cheap sport. But you'll probably argue that as soon as you decide to buy some shorts and a T

-than-flat Brass Monkey Half-Marathon, which also scores highly among forumites for its scenery and atmosphere.February A speedy 10K on a road or park course will feel like a piece of cake after more rural running during the winter. Runners are spoilt for choice

range of age groups around the mud, gravel and compacted cornfields that lead to and from the Mulino Cozzi, the only remaining working mill of the original five. Indeed, choice of footwear must be an issue; most athletes were in spikes, and carpet