"Look on a training diary as a coach, conscience and friend," says Steve Smythe, a runner and coach who's been writing down every run he completes since 1976. He's recognised that keeping tabs on his training is a great way to make the most of his

running time, pace and distance on the iPod screen, and scroll through the history of your past runs. You can also log your runs automatically on Nike’s free training log website – nikeplus.com – whenever you plug your iPod back into your computer. More

of 2005, when she read an article in Runner’s World about ultra-running, and decided to give it a try.“I followed the RW training programme exactly,” she says. Six months later, she successfully completed the Compton Downland Challenge, a 40-mile race

completed her first ever race – a hilly, off-road 5K – and joined a local running club, we’d have to disagree. "I had no idea running was so popular," Karen admits, "I started exercising to lose weight and first visited the Runner’s World site for nutrition

with your family. With greater variety and a plan, each run will have a purpose and won’t simply be a means of satisfying your training log. You’ll soon feel fresher, stronger and faster.5. Stay flexibleIt’s great to set and achieve goals, but staying

’t have to run every day; every week or even every month. Many top runners visualise their training year as a mountain range. It has peaks and valleys. The valleys are recovery periods when they let their running taper off, so that they can build all

were created by Runner's World members just like you.So if you want to bring a discussion back to life, don't be shy: just add a new message at the end of it. Alternatively, start a new thread on the gear forum. ELECTRONICS AND SOFTWAREHeart Rate

their bodies a chance to recover.Remember, a training schedule is built on the assumption that you aren't experiencing any unusual pain before, during or after the run. If pain or fatigue does strike, don't hesitate to modify your work-outs.Branch outRunners

weeks. I used the Runner's World emergency schedules, which were excellent. But work pressures and a nasty cold cut into this last-minute attempt at training. I had logged just 50 miles through my preparation... From 11 miles my left thigh began to cramp

bright colours. Good for: motivational mantras Nab Fitness Diary, £5.99 www.nabfitnessdiaries.co.ukYou'll have no excuse to stray from the grand plan with this paper training log – it'll fit in your gym bag and is simple to use if fancy online logs