the desired level, add water and shake. Simple. As with any bottles of this style, the down side is carrying. They’re ideal for cyclists, but too big for runners to carry by hand – you’ll definitely need a decent-sized bumbag or waist pack with a built

Training, Mono Skin Padded Socklet and the Mono Skin Super Racer Plus, to help keep your feet fresh, comfortable and smelling sweet. You’ll also get a Runner’s Multipouch complete with water bottle and holder, mobile phone pocket, key holder and reflective

' tension can be adjusted between eyelets to the exact mould of your foot, for a more comfortable fit. Good for: comfy feet SIGG water bottles, from £8www.sigg.com Ditch plastic water bottles and invest in a classic Swiss aluminium one instead - they

No, but you seriously think it’s your dayYou get to 10 miles and decide it’s just not your dayYou get runner’s trotsYou twist your ankle on a discarded water bottle You get a stitchYou want to stopYou’re in painYou feel great at mile 13You hit the wall at mile

Water belts and hand-held bottles are fine for short runs on the flat, but step out onto the trail or up your distance and you’ll need something a bit more sophisticated. We picked out the best hydration backpacks on the market and gave them a

Are they shower- and wind-resistant? Do they protect the runner from a steady autumn drizzle and moderate gusts of wind? Breathability Does the weather protection come at the cost of comfort? Does the jacket keep you cool or make you hot? Comfort What is the fit

or race number) who ran with me to about the 14-mile mark where he had to start to walk. He kept me company by giving me encouragement and good conversation, and would even grab two bottles of water at the stations, so one for me as well. I don't think I

) --As a Runner's World supporter virgin I wasn't sure what to expect from the support teams. They were great in making us feel welcome and useful. Here Meerkat, Lady Lucan, Meldy and Legless deserve a special mention. It was interesting to meet some

Fancy-dress runners in training are like baby pigeons: you know they exist but you never see them. Then a big race such as the Flora London Marathon arrives and you find yourself lining up at the start next to Batman, a hotdog, Minnie Mouse and a

people off. Overall, it's a really handy pack. Contact www.inov-8.com The North Face Ray 20, £60 A female-specific pack that comes a close second to the Osprey for fit and attention to detail. It can carry a hydration pack and water bottles. Bungee