The popular image of professional triathletes may be of young, hyper-fit, intensely focused super-beings who spend the winter training in a sun-drenched paradise at the expense of a sponsor with bottomless pockets.The mundane but oddly reassuring

As we wave goodbye to summer, now is the time to invest in your most important piece of gear: new running shoes. Our Autumn/Winter 2011 Shoe Guide includes a bumper crop of 24 new shoes, as well as reviews and technical information on each

rare breed, but if you're near Blackburn, you're in luck. The Winter Warmer 10K starts at Witton Park and after a customary dash around the track, heads straight into the countryside on the roads. The next mile is uphill, but the views at the top

Sombrio Forensic gloves, £26These super-thin gloves are a great all-rounder and they're perfect for the transition from autumn to winter. They might be aimed at mountain-bike riders but they're great for triathletes, too. The tough, hardwearing

When faced with winter, a triathlete generally makes one of three decisions about cycling: keep riding; move the bike inside to the turbo trainer; or shift emphasis to a different activity - Wii Fit, anyone? - until the warmer weather returns

suggests letting a friend or relative know how long you plan to be out and asking them to ring your home to check that you're back.All about the bikeIt's not just you that has to be looked after during the winter months, your gear also needs some

Gesundheit! Now's the time when everyone seems to be coughing and sneezing. The common cold strikes most adults two to four times a year, each bout lasting between five and 14 days. But can you run with a scratchy throat and runny nose? Here's a guide to help you prevent, survive...

maintain a high level of training throughout the winter months - without saying goodbye to speedwork, tempo runs, or long runs. You just need to be a little more flexible and creative with your running regime, keep safe and dress well.Season's fleetings

Getty ImagesMany runners love winter running. Quiet, empty streets; cool crisp air; a feeling of blissful solitude – not to mention the fact that maintaining a base over the winter is critical to successful spring running. But if you're a fair

Best served in a toasted ciabatta roll stuffed with salad, these vegetarian  patties pack in nearly 20 times more carbs than a standard burger, and less than half the fat. They also keep their shape after freezing, so you can cook up a big batch in advance. Simply reheat with a c...