Excuses take seconds to make but can mean years of wasted training time. RW has turned the best get-out clauses into reasons to run today - so consider those excuses excused."It's too cold outside"Warm up insideIn the winter, each big breath can

long and tough run the top didn’t absorb much sweat. Even though I used it as a bottom layer it didn’t feel cold or heavy against my skin. It’s a good long length too, with a grippy bottom hem so you don’t need to worry about it riding up mid-run

"How soon should I run after I've had a cold? I've always been sporty, but I've only been running seriously for a few months. In the past when I've had colds and coughs, I've often gone back to sport as soon as I've been able to breathe properly

the top. – Little LizardPack on the breathable layersWhen it's this cold I run in short (to the knee) and running tights, with long winter-weight running tights over the top. My legs stay nice and warm, but the tights are breathable so I don't get too hot

put it down to bad luck and poor company. But either way, while training for a race I'm almost always scuppered with a cold at some point. In fact, in the last three marathons I've run, I've picked up something in the weeks leading to the race.Two tips

.com) says, "Plain water is fine for short runs, but in hot weather or on longer runs, you sweat more, and need electrolytes." Stick to cool – not cold – water to avoid stomach cramps.

to concentrate on the taper, I am peaking too early and then losing it in the taper. Maybe two weeks walking around Disney getting up early and going to bed late, and only doing two 5 mile runs in the middle, plus a spot of jet lag was not the ideal taper

when I could easily have dropped out. The worst part was the weather, I don't think I have EVER BEEN AS COLD IN MY LIFE! I wanted to finish in less than 5 hours but I started too quick and paid dearly for it later in the race. I need to work on my

let's not pretend we don't have plenty of those coming our way) and breezy autumn runs, this gilet is made with Gore's WINDSTOPPER active shell material, which means it's not only highly wind- and rain-resistant but it's lightweight and breathable too

of the palm to cushion the ulnar nerve, and a handy microfibre panel on the thumb for wiping a running nose. The only criticism was that the cuff could have been longer to keep wrists toasty-warm, too. Info: www.specialized.com