. Do it first. It sounds crazy, but many women run as early as 4 or 5am, when interruptions and excuses are least likely. If you have trouble overcoming the temptation to sleep another hour, set your shoes and clothes by your bedside so they serve as a

: ‘there is no way I can keep with this’ so eased back. My ankle seemed OK, and was maintaining a good pace, going through half way around 1:43.mile 16: right leg started to hurt.mile 18-19: Quad went very tight, stretching was no use.mile 23: stopped at St

was the sign I saw on the way: "Pain is temporary but quitting is forever". That and grim determination. I hadn't had a proper run for six weeks, my shoes hadn't been worn in but I wasn't going to give up unless I was carried off by St John's Ambulance

"Going anywhere nice, Sir?" It was an innocent enough question, tossed out as small talk by the Heathrow security guard checking my running shoes for anything suspicious. "Yes, the North Pole." "I see... going for long are you?" "No, just

for me. My boyfriend is now my husband and often sends me out of the door with my running shoes if he senses me getting moody.’ (More from this story) Cameron Miller on a vicious attack, a demanding physio, and running as a celebration

years younger and has just started running. Race by race, he’s still trying to figure out what the sport’s about, and how he fits in. Or doesn’t fit in.”In the third mile of the 5K, Bingham runs along a wetland marsh, to the muffled beat of shoes

our forums so special. Aaah.Forum Spotlight, July 23This week's forum spotlight was on the huge forum team at Ironman Germany.Forum Highlights, July 14Do you use a training plan, and record your progress – or otherwise – in a log? Firestar started

was calculated using ratings given by respondents on www.runnersworld.co.uk after they took part in the races. We worked out the average of the 'overall' rating runners gave races, to arrive at a figure between 0 and 100%, allowing us to rank them. However, we

and stretchy that they don't rub, but mould around you instead. gemma carter 2 If you want to use tape, get some Strapal tape – it seems to be the stickiest tape out there and even under heavy sweat it’ll stay put. If you use it on your nipples, chaps