When Runner's World readers were asked to list their essential kit last year, heart-rate monitors came out on top. Unfortunately for the female runner, using a heart-rate monitor is usually an uncomfortable experience, requiring 10 minutes before

provided more than adequate support. How It Rated Fit 9 Wicking 7 Comfort 9 Breathability 8 TOTAL 33 WOMEN'S BRIEFS

There’s a reason why, at one of Britain’s most popular nudist runs, women are still allowed to wear a sports bra. It’s not to spare their modesty, or save fellow runners from any unsightly wobbles: it’s because wearing a sports bra is at least

and shower protection, but won’t suffocate you if summer finally decides to turn up three months late – in many cases they’ll squash down enough to be stashed in a bum-bag if necessary. (All weights are for women’s size 12/medium unless otherwise stated

enjoys running in gale-force wind and non-stop rain, there are tights for every eventuality.Asics Women's 3000 series Wintertight Loneliness – £32.50These are definitely cold-weather kit. Asics' Duotech fabric is exceptionally warm, and even with lighter

the environment, you've packed just one shirt for a week away, or you simply can't afford a seven-day running wardrobe. Well, that's the theory. To put it to the test RUNNER'S WORLD undertook a carefully controlled, entirely unscientific experiment - we ran

protection, and clip on and off the clear plastic frame easily. A soft gripping material at the temples and a bendy rubber nosepiece provide a nonslip, pinch- and pressure-free fit.Contact www.adidas.com/eyewearNike Counter (women’s) Price £69Weight 18g

, appalled by the price of petrol and desperate to squeeze in a run before a congested working day, a novice adventure racer looking for a resistance session or just an average runner who needs a flexible means of carrying kit to and from training

A long-sleeved jacket could be the most expensive and under-utilised piece of kit in your running wardrobe. If it's fully waterproof, it doesn't breathe. If it really breathes, it isn't waterproof. Even if it does a good job of both, it's too warm

Ever since we reviewed the Asics Gel GT-2020 in 1997, RUNNER’S WORLD’s shoe reviewers have had an easy task. Of the original GT-2020, we said "a great shoe – we’re hard pressed to find a weakness". Two years later we were even more gushing when