GETTY IMAGESIf you've been running well and your muscles feel fine, stretching might seem like a waste of good running time. But scheduling in some stretching could slash your chance of getting injured, help you recover from existing injuries

the way around the coast of Britain (or as near as they can get to the coast!) and back to Blackpool. 'Barry' the CoastersGB baton will travel with them, passing from runner to runner.The mammoth distance has been split by organisers into 20 stretches

and help reduce inflammation. Save the hot bath for later, when the heat will help ease any lingering soreness. Stretch OutWhether you’re a stretching fan or foe, you might find a gentle session beneficial after easier runs. Ease into stretches slowly

The lovely people at Speedo were kind enough to give me a wetsuit for my moment of swimming glory. It is a thing of beauty - it even has fin bits on the arms and pleasing stretches of gold neoprene.But swimming in it took a bit of getting used to

improvement as it happens. You can also customise your log in line with your aims for the year, whether you want to lose a specific amount of weight or get set for a new distance.Longer read: Keeping a running diaryStretchThe best way to get

for £15.A few Hot Bikram Yoga classes will be just what your body needs to stretch back into shape and melt all those aches away. Not a marathon runner but keen to try Hot Bikram Yoga? You can still get £5 off our '20 days for £35' intro offer by using

in soggy shoes.If your race stretches into the night, you'll need to light the way. Invest in an LED headtorch plus another torch for extra depth perception.Avoiding injury If you're on your feet all day – or even all week – you need to stop injuries

in the park - expect a cross-country caper complete with hills, muddy woodland, lakeside paths and fields, and a short stretch through the local housing estate to boot. With some rather tough climbs to tackle too, forget a fast time for this one - focus

. The hundreds-strong field is small enough to avoid the crowd problems of busier races, but not so sparse that runners are left on their own for long stretches. 5. Abingdon Marathon Where: Oxfordshire When: October 18Book early to join the growing

around Corfe Castle, the out-and-back course’s midway point. Sunny weather is almost guaranteed on this stretch of coastline, and you can celebrate in style afterwards on the beach with hordes of other finishers in the party atmosphere of the Swanage