Were the headphones sturdy or flimsy? Did they have to be handled with care or would they survive being dropped or manhandled on the run? Sweatproof Did the ear plugs let sweat in and was there any change in sound quality? Did the sweat cause any

While getting the kit together for a six-day Eco Challenge can be as tough as the race itself, one- and two-day races are perfect for the weekend warrior who dimly remembers owning a bike to go to school on. While international-level teams

There are some pieces of running kit you simply wouldn’t dream of doing without. Shoes specifically designed for your particular foot type, technical T-shirts that keep you dry on even the hottest days, or a stopwatch that also tells you how hard

’ve enlisted the advice of some top kit experts to give you the definitive answer to your queries in our Q+A guide to keeping your gear running.SHOESQ: How can I tell when it’s time to replace my shoes?A: It’s tough – your favourite pair of shoes might feel