come alive for you. It's written in an entertaining, often amusing, and light style, but one that really heightens the magnitude of the London Marathon and brought me to tears on quite a few occasions.

In short:Written by Britain's most successful marathon runner of the 1990s, this guide should help you get the most from your distance training. From the complete beginner enchanted by the challenge of the London Marathon, to the experienced runner

In short:The Looniness of the Long Distance Runner is one comparatively unfit 39-year-old Londoner's humorous account of his attempt to run the New York marathon from scratch. Inspired by the charity running of his friends, Russell Taylor decided

: suits those who need to insert orthoticssuits those who have anarrow feetcomfortable Overall: I bought 2 pairs to see me through training for London marathon training and the race itself which they did proudly. Heel cushioning started deteriorated after

. The training schedules presented with the specific goal for each day are great. You can adapt it easily. I'm using the over 70 miles a week to prepare for London 2008. Weaknesses: This book is intended to anyone taking marathoning seriously. It explains

physically and mentally. Weaknesses: Easy to read week by week. Essential advice on how to get through the 26 miles both physically and mentally. Overall: Got this non runner through her first london marathon in her 40th year in 4 hours 35 mins. wish i could

roomy toe-box divided opinion. The lightweight mesh was obviously not weatherproof but gave superb breathability.Wear testers say "I'd lose a little of the cushioning in favour of lightness, but that's a quibble. I will probably run the London Marathon

Overall: Worth paying a little more than a basic running shoe. JOE SOMERVILLE: TOO HEAVY BY FAR FOR ME Strengths: cushioning is comfortable. Weaknesses: cushioning is comfortable. Overall: I wore them in the flora london marathon 2006 (although advised

. Overall: A great shoe that lives up to the Asics name. David Shardlow: SUPERB LIGHT BUT SUPPORTIVE SHOE Strengths: Really comfortableEnough support for mild over-pronatorsVery lightExcellent fitting service from the ASICS Store in London W1 Weaknesses

the london marathon in the 12s and some 15 mile cross country races aswell and it was a smooth ride along the way.I bought the 13s last year after the marathon when my 12s had served there purpose and they just seem to be getting better and better,i do