When an email pinged into my inbox from Gatorade, inviting me to train with elite GB cyclists at the Manchester Velodrome and do a (gross-sounding) 'sweat test', it took seconds for me to say yes.And so last Monday evening I left London for a much

friends to watch me sweat it out over the 20K cycle. Now all that's left is the race itself.James has set us the challenge to complete the relay in sub-1:30. After the amazing results from his Bupa Fitness Assessment earlier this week, he looks set

don't seem too tough.Then the length of the vibrations intervals increase, first to 45 seconds and then to 60 seconds, with a 60-second recovery of fast spinning between each interval. By this point beads of sweat are popping up on my forehead, my

, unfailingly articulate and looking more like Britain's Next Top Model contestants than athletes used to hard work and sweat, these six are the next generation of British sporting talent. Their achievements - on and off the track - are thanks in no small part

deficiency because they simply do not lose the volume of blood (and therefore iron) which women do.Some researchers believe that running further increases the risk of iron deficiency due to loss of iron in sweat, urine and the gastrointestinal bleeding which

's no surprise this race attracts PB chasers every year but beginners will be reassured by the supportive, friendly atmosphere and a real mix of abilities in the 500-stong field. Wipe off your sweat with a fluffy finisher's towel before settling back and enjoying

sweat.Healthy alternativesIf water doesn't do the trick and that hunger pang can't be ignored, then all is not lost. "There are loads of healthy and tasty snacks out there!" says sports nutritionist Trevor Bedding (www.sportsnutritionist.co.uk). He