the night before and on the morning of the event, and so on. Then check off each one before you leave for the race.SpeedworkUse an '800' number Yes, even a task as daunting as marathon training can't be simplified by doing Yasso 800s (a regime developed

of a race: getting through a difficult mile, passing runners comfortably, finishing smooth and strong.Time savings: 10-20 seconds Change Your ShoesIt may be obvious advice, but it is worth repeating. Buy a pair of racing flats or performance trainers

every Sunday night. "When you won't have to think about it again until the following Sunday. (Yes, you'll need a big bag - and make sure it has pockets).The full series: Training, Nutrition, Racing and Speedwork, Gear, GymPlus: Ten Things You Don't Have

it simple: keep a two-litre water bottle on your desk, and ensure that you drain it by the end of your work day. (Then request a desk closer to the toilets.) The full series: Training, Nutrition, Racing and Speedwork, Gear, GymPlus: Ten Things You Don

to begin. It's easy: run slowly in one direction for 30 minutes, then turn around and run nearer to your 10K race pace for the next 20 minutes; when that's done, jog back to your starting point. Do more with lessMany runners train more or faster than

, 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