react to the gels, bars and electrolytes you use when you are racing at a higher heart rate (race pace) than is usual when you're training. "Practise eating during training. Try to eat what and when you would during a race," recommends Taylor. It is also

at Loughborough University. "So there is a conditioning aspect to it and a technical aspect to it. But it also creates those race-like conditions so you are better equipped to handle tempo changes. You don't get that from more singular forms of training

of some of the country's finest athletes and a sports scientist, we've come up with a list of the most common training and race-day misdemeanours and the tips you need to tackle or avoid them. These people have experienced them all, so now you don't have

-marathon schedules Tried and trusted... Our best-ever schedules -- for the half; 12 weeks from sub-1:20 to 2:30 run-walk Essential Q&As -- Nutrition, training, race day and more...The technical know-how -- Pacing tactics and fuelling advice to avoid a blow

to leave a few surprises for race day, but you shouldn't.Knowing something about the course can be invaluable. Training on the course can help if you're nervous about the great unknown. Saffron Webber from Horsham, West Sussex, is training for the Banana

particular day and race."There are races every week in peak season, but you can't do them all so it is important not to take on too much."Not doing too much means not training for long hours - so say goodbye to your winter timetable. "It's about short, sharp

You've run countless miles, spent hours in the pool and pedalled until your bike feels like it's a part of your body, but unless you put yourself through some training sessions designed to help you hit your peak in time for race day, your efforts

set a mixture of performance goals (for example, a sub-3.30 marathon); process goals to track your technical process (such as running a negative split); and outcome goals (like winning the race). It's also a good idea to split your goals into three

at Loughborough University. "So there is a conditioning aspect to it and a technical aspect to it. But it also creates those race-like conditions so you are better equipped to handle tempo changes. You don't get that from more singular forms of training

compromising your performance. Jon Alexander explored these matters while he was training for Challenge Barcelona in 2009. His plan was to race while trying to minimise his carbon footprint. He says there are three main issues: kit, diet and transport. Where