Take time and patience to adapt from out-of-season treadmill running to in-season road running

By Craig Simmons - craigsimmons@live.com

Photos by Scott Ford

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Kinetic is a GPS-based tracking app for cyclists, runners, hikers...

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Nike GRID Ambassadors recruit Londoners to run their city and claim the crown

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Healthy body, healthy mind…

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In memory of his father, Birmingham-based Daniel Robinson set himself a challenge: to run 1002 miles around the UK during August 2010 - that’s more than 38 full length marathons.

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In March 2009, 24-year-old graduate George Watkins, was working on ski resort when he fell 150 metres down a mountain… Just 18 months later he took part in his first Ironman

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Steve Jones’s 1985 Chicago Marathon time of 2:07:13 remains the UK’s fastest. This autumn the now V55 runner returns to Chicago, to see whether he might break his age category record. An unconventional, unscientific, and raw talent – he might just do it. Here, Adrian Hill, sports journalist and author, recalls the Welshman’s

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How a redheaded nobody almost conquered a national champ

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We took time out to talk to Mara Yamauchi, 37, who’s overcome plantar fasciitis, and continues to be one of the UK’s top marathon runners…

She talked to Malcolm Bradbrook

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After 40 years of running, and winning marathons, our Roving Reporter, Julia Armstrong, knows that things don’t always go to plan…

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From Victor Hugo to Oliver Reed, the island of Guernsey has a long history of attracting colourful characters and, as Julia Buckley discovered, the 2010 Sportingbet Guernsey Marathon continued this tradition in glorious and laid-back style.

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Nutrition Q&A with Registered Nutritionist, Lucy-Ann Prideaux www.simply-nutrition.co.uk 

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Surprisingly light, with a slightly chewy texture from the caramelised marmalade, these delicious flapjacks are packed with everything a runner needs: low G.I. carbohydrate, vitamin C and phytonutrients. The Seville orange peel is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties.

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As we leave summer behind and the cold of winter approaches it’s time for some of us to dig out the cross country spikes and spend Saturday afternoons running around muddy fields. For some the attraction is the chance to end up covered in mud, for others it’s the hot shower and pint afterwards. If you haven’t tried it, you don’t know what you’re missing. Races are short, three to five miles and it’s sociable – and great training! If you’re keen to get involved or improve your times here are some tips to help you get the most out of running cross country.

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You may feel fit and healthy but if your face is weather-beaten and thin, you can start to look haggard. But, don’t despair you can keep freshfaced, and fit! Christine Fieldhouse reports

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Are those long slow miles in training the foundation many believe them to be? Malcolm Bradbrook looks at the pros and cons of maintaining a high mileage in training.

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APOS stands for All Phases of Step Cycle, a system that was developed in Israel by two surgeons who wanted to speed up recovery for osteo-arthritis sufferers.

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When the worst happens, and you get an injury, what action should you take?

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Anyone involved in sport dreads injury – something beyond their control that threatens to take away a favourite pastime. Malcolm Bradbrook looks at how to reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery

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Saucony are the fastest growing running brand around. Their running shoe range has been critically acclaimed for years and now their apparel is a match for anything else out there. Saucony support the Seattle and Brighton marathons, and athletes Wallace Spearmon, Lauryn Williams and DeeDee Trotter are Saucony brand-ambassadors

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The More Mile brand offers high quality clothing and accessories for runners at affordable prices.

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Brave Soldier is a unisex range of specialist products formulated to treat common problems among outdoor types such as skin abrasion injuries, road rash and chaffing.

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GU Energy Gels will give you the fuel you need with no extras to slow you down.

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Runner’s from The Running Inn, in Eastbourne tried and tested all the latest Autumn gear. This year, the club will be competing in their local cross country league for the first time. Club chair, and RF’s resident coach and personal trainer, Mike Ovens, says: “Most of our members haven’t tried cross country before – and can’t wait to give it a go!”

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Thanks to Captain Jon Gilbody who emailed us to tell us about, fellow soldier, Major Tom Perkins, a British officer, who had just run a marathon with some of his Afghan partners…

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MUSTO EVOLUTION WINDSTOPPER JACKET, £160 Stylish, showerproof, windproof and warm – and a great colour! www.musto.com

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After a wet, muddy race, whip off your shorts (by your car!), and step into these lovely, warm, base pants; unisex and available in ‘thermal’ for extra warmth. Get them from Newline, via www.runnersretreat.biz.

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6 Top Socks!

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The clocks go back on October 31st, so it’s time to start thinking about those shorter days…

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Helly Hansen is the runner’s friend, and the classic design never loses its appeal, but the new range make this solid and essential piece of kit, that keeps you dry, and regulates temperature, even more essential!

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Somino shoes are made to fit the individual – you can adjust key components of the shoe, so that it suits your bio-mechanics. The Pacemaker is a light, neutral shoe for race days or fast-paced training, and is available for both men and women.

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2010 marks a special year for the Perkins Great Eastern Run

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Something big is going on this November!

EVENT: Mo running 5k and 10k runs. Locations across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand!

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The British Heart Foundation have a fantastic selection of runs to suit all needs. Coming this Autumn is The Woburn Abbey Jog and The Chilterns Challenge.

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Run the 2011 Bupa London 10,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)

12 young sudden deaths a week and every loss is heartbreak

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When John Hibbs, 32, heard his sister had Lupus, he decided to get fit and get fundraising. In just over a year, he’s raised, over £12,000, been to Downing Street and got a job as a fundraiser for Lupus UK!

INTERVIEW: FIONA BUGLER

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Active Rest? It makes no sense to me!

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People make a living by being inspirational speakers. Words have power. We love to hear about great endeavours, of sporting achievements, of how one person reached the peak of their own mountain.

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Running success doesn’t just favour the young. Priscilla Welch, an eighties marathon star, didn’t even start running until her mid-thirties but it wasn’t long before she became one of the greatest ever female marathon runners

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Mark Cage, 39, was one of many runners who answered “yes” to a question posted on a running website: Could we get a group of runners to run a relay around the coast of Britain? The baton’s journey started in Blackpool, in May 2010. The runner’s have a dedicated website, at www. coastersgb.co.uk and, everyone’s welcome to join the run He’s based in East Sussex and runs on the South Downs…

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Dan Robinson has been a consistently solid and successful marathon runner, representing the UK in a number of international championships over the last seven years. But he’s never reached the peaks of his predecessors, and this year he’s had some disappointing runs…

Marathon running is an unforgiving sport, and a relentless slog, so how does a top runner keep going and continue to knock out 140 miles per week, when reaping real rewards is rare…

INTERVIEW BY FIONA BUGLER

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Experience Eden as you never have before – take part in one of our races on 10th October 2010.

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Registration is now live for the second After Adoption Hyde Park 10k run, taking place at 9.30am on Sunday, 24th October 2010.

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This month, our roving reporter, Julia Armstrong, headed for the Swiss mountains for a lung-busting series of climbs through stunning scenery

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Join the Parkinson’s 10K Spooky Sprint and you’ll be in for a Halloween treat. Set in 270 acres of country park at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, our night race starts at 6pm on Saturday 30th October 2010. All competitors will receive a free head torch to guide them along the route.

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Former RF Editor, Julia Buckley, recalls her first ultra run, a 50-mile voyage including: wrinkly feet, running in the dark, food stations and new friendships…

photographs: Marc Laithwaite, The Endurance Coach

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Lucy-Ann Prideaux is a regular speaker at RF training breaks with The Running Inn. Every month she’s here to answer your nutrition questions - www.simply-nutrition.co.uk

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There is something very convivial about sitting at the table and assembling your own wrap. You put in exactly what you want, you eat it with your fingers (yes, you will definitely need napkins or kitchen towel with this meal), and there is always the temptation to pile on too much delicious spicy chicken and fresh salsa, which means you invariably end up with the whole thing falling apart. The kids love this – it’s a really fun way to eat a whole variety of fruit and green vegetables, with the added benefit of good, low-fat protein from the chicken.

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10 hints for Training with kids

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Interviews with people who've beaten an energy drain!

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(and how to conquer them!)

Ditch your energy drains... and run better than ever

WORDS: CHRISTINE FIELDHOUSE

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RF GET THE NATION FIT CAMPAIGN! LET US KNOW YOUR OPINIONS AT WWW.RUNNINGFREEONLINE.COM

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With adult and childhood obesity rates rising, and society getting slovenly, it’s good to know that RF readers ‘keep fit in the family!’

Interviews by Christine Fieldhouse

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At RF we want to start a campaign to get the nation fit…and the work starts at home…Fiona Bugler reports

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10 REASONS TO LOVE… Inov-8

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Running up and down hills and across muddy, slippery surfaces, demands more stability, and grip. This month RF readers review the latest off-road shoes...

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Bored with pounding the pavements, and same old races… fancy doing something a bit different? Here’s a few of our favourite, wacky races!

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I Am An Athlete - UK Athletics campaign launched last month

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This month, I asked you: How do we get the nation fit through running?

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DOWNLOAD THE FANTASTIC FREE APP FROM ADIDAS, MICOACH….music, coach, calendar, navigator and phone, all in one!

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Customize your own gear…

Personal trainer, Nick Miles, www.urbanfit.co.uk, used Nike iD, the online service that allows you to customize your kit. He bespoked a pair of Free 5.0s. “From laces to stitching, it’s all down to you. All this is achieved by navigating the easy to use, if not slightly addictive, site. Be the designer you wanted to be and get a great pair of running shoes.” Find out more at www.nikeid.com.

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Skins has upped the ante, with some fantastic new technology; the A400 range was created using “laser body mapping and motion capture to take an incredible 800,000 individual measurements and assess 400 key body-fitting points on hundreds of athletes”.

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Regonovex range for joint health, 30 capsules, £22.47; fast-acting gel, £10.21; Long Lasting Flexible Patch, £2.34

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Wheatgrass from Natural Greens, £19.45 for a month’s supply.

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Nature’s Plus Source of Life Gold Liquid

£14.41 for 8 floz

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Sarah Coope, a former, world class triathlete, now runs the very successful Bodyworks XTC with her husband former international and top level coach, Glen Cook. The club, based in East Sussex, specializes in training children, and members include county and national champions, and Olympic hopeful for triathlon, Ollie Freeman. Here’s her tips…

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Lightweight, but supportive, comfortable, and a mesh upper sole that means my feet can breathe!

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Switch on the Forerunner and off you go, it picks up satellites quicker than ever! It’s beauty is that it’s so easy to use, and it’s the slimmest GPS on the market.

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We’ve got a bumper supply of CherryActive products to giveaway, including: 946ml bottles of concentrate; 30 capsules; a bag of nutrient-rich dried cherries, plus sport bottle, glass and pump. CherryActive is one of the most exciting products to hit the market in recent years. Research shows that taking CherryActive Concentrate helps muscles recover quickly, and reduces muscle soreness – and it’s packed with antioxidants.

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Produced by the Accapi Laboratory using an exclusive Nexus fabric – this gear is perfect for athletes wanting to get the best for their body 24/7! Natural infra-red emission improves circulation and oxygenates the muscles whilst you sleep. The material is cool and comfortable, and loose-fitting for nightwear. Perfect to wear the night after a long run, and advocates include marathon champion Martin Lel, and our very own editor, Fiona.

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The CoolBoard was featured in our Core Special back in July and is handmade by a dedicated team in Bristol. Balance is key to running and this bit of kit really challenges your ability to keep in control without stability. Trying to stand on it is excellent for core strength, but there’s also a series of exercises specifically aimed at runners, including balancing on one leg, single leg squats, and ankle strength exercises. If you’ve surfed before you might be pretty good at this!

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Darren Campbell, isn’t our typical hero. He’s been an amazing runner, yes, but his heroism, comes from his inspirational life story and the work he does to help others realize their dreams…

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The nectar of the gods since time began!

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WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL BEST?

The sudden death of her brother, Pekka, at the age of 38, gave Maija the incentive she needed to get fit. She entered The Great North Run, and as well as helping her deal with grief, running saw her go from a size 20 to a size 12

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Julia Armstrong, is a former international marathon runner who ranks in the top 10 in the UK for V50 women runners. She’s a broadcaster, writer and runner. This month she ponders the power of breathing – and our voices

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This month’s music loving runner is… Jasmine Harman

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The Summer of 2010, is proving to be a success for Mo Farah. By the time we go to print, The Somalian-born British athlete, will have competed in the 20th European Athletics Championships, being held in Barcelona between July 26th and August 1st 2010.

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This month, our roving reporter, Julia Armstrong, flew to Spain to join fundraiser, Mark Cooper, on the 49th of his 50 marathon challenge!

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“The Bewl Barrel Race was dreamt up one winter’s evening by a group of runners, who were gathered around a fire at The Greyhound Inn, a pub in Wadhurst…

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I’m a vegetarian and I often read that I should eat more pulses and beans, but I’m never sure what to do with them, how to get them to taste nice and how much to eat. I also suffer with wind any time I go near a bean!

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I’m 55, and just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I’m overweight and have taken up running to help me lose a few pounds and just feel better about myself. I do feel anxious about my diet and scared that I may be making bad food choices at mealtimes that will affect my condition. What are the main things I should do to improve my diet and what foods should I avoid?

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I’m 5ft 10in, 16 stone, and aged 40. My weight seems to sit around my middle. I love creamy dishes, fatty foods and chocolate. I’ve started running so I’m hoping that might allow me the occasional splurge. How many calories can I expect to burn by running an hour three times a week, and can I still enjoy creamy food?

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Good for recovery, this dish is rehydrating, refreshing and low in fat

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For some people going on holiday is the time to leave the running shoes behind, and enjoy a week off. For others it provides a welcome change of scenery and different perspective, whilst maintaining or improving their fitness.

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Workplay bags - ladies product of the month

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After giving it your all in a 5k or 10k wouldn’t it be nice to put your feet up and be pampered? The new Boutique Run aims to do exactly that, as Dominique Brady discovers. And even better, it’s just for us girls

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You can turn back the clock... Be inspired by these late bloomers

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Lining up, feet shifting… Were you the one who was never picked for the team? The humiliation, and then the conviction that you hate sport anyway… not easy to shake off, but some do, and come back with a real passion for running!

Words: Christine Fieldhouse

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Sports science is becoming available to the public.

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On trial - KI-FIT

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Does checking, measuring and becoming your own sports scientist improve your performance – or should you hang up your white coat, lose the watch, ditch the scales and just get out there and do the thing you love best…? Fiona Bugler finds out.

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10 Reasons To Love Orca

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RF readers try out a selection of this summer’s tops

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Ever since Eddie Izzard took on the challenge, we’ve been inundated at RF with stories of multi-marathoners. Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite amazing feats…

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Have you lost weight as a result of running? Do you run to eat more and stay slim?

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On weight loss and vitamins….

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Breaks cost from £525 for four days

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LOOK AFTER TOENAILS

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PROTECT WITH A HEEL PATCH

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£5.49, for stockists call, 01235 838 590

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TOUGH SUNGLASSES FOR THE LONG HAUL

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Soreen - RSP £1.29 for a sliced loaf and RSP 69p for a Snack Pack

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£29.99, for ultrafuel, www.yoursportsfuel.com

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£230, RRP, www.suunto.com www.movescount.com

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GREEN SILENCE – PLANET-FRIENDLY

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INNOV-8 LIGHTWEIGHT f-lite™ 230 Natural Racing Flat

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20 readers to win a VibroGym session, worth £5

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4 TUBS OF CORTALFLEX CAPSULES FOR SUPPLE JOINTS, WORTH £27.98 EACH

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4 pairs of Compress Sport Calf guards worth £30 (women), £40 (men)

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5 HEALTHY PICNIC HAMPERS WORTH £20 EACH

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2 PLACES IN THE ROYAL PARKS FOUNDATION HALF MARATHON AND MIZUNO TRAINERS, AND KIT

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Events to Live and Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard in Dorking, Surrey are pleased to announce the inaugural Bacchus Marathon and Half- Marathon on Sunday 12th September 2010. The Bacchus Marathon promises to be the showcase of the Events to Live calendar which already boasts the Surrey Badger Half marathon (included in the top 50 races in the UK last year).

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The 2010 Dingle Marathon will see athletes partake in a unique run passing through beautiful scenery, idyllic villages and historical sites providing a natural lift of spirit. This year the marathon, which is Athletics Association of Ireland certified, is offering its participants the choice of the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) or new to this year, the Ultra marathon (50 miles).

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Some snippets from the history of Women vs the marathon

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Ten years ago 28-year-old Andi Ramsay was struck down in a freak accident, which left him suicidal and in crutches...now he’s training for a marathon.

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In 1967, an irate race official, Jock Semple tried to forcibly remove Kathrine Switzer from the then all-male Boston Marathon simply because she was a woman. Luckily for Switzer, it was the official who was bounced out of the race (by her boyfriend), and she went on to finish.

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As a gutsy 20 year old Katherine Switzer entered the all male Boston marathon in 1967. When an official tried to remove her, the pictures generated worldwide controversy. Switzer broke barriers then and remains today an advocate for female runners.

Article by Dominique Brady

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Always remember that running should be enjoyable and fun and that you have chosen to extend yourself

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Caroline is a personal trainer, yoga and pilates teacher, with eight fitness DVDs to her name, including Perfect Fit, which she made with ex-soap star, and daytime TV favourite, Claire Sweeney. She’s also a writer and says she runs because: “I love nature,” but, she adds, “I am no speedy-gonzales!”

You can find out more about Caroline and her work at www.carolinesandry.com

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An advocate of barefoot running, an explorer, an ultra runner and philosopher, Chris McDougall, author of bestselling Born To Run spent time talking to kindred spirit, runner and writer, Julia Armstrong

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Turin, a city that offers a run around history

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RF’S TIPS FOR ‘SUN RUNNERS’

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In the second instalment of her round the world trip, roving reporter, Julia Armstrong records her trip to Malta, where she was delighted to run in just under 90 minutes for the half marathon and claim first V50 prize.

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Having only ever run 17 miles in training, Richard Stewart, a 31 year-old IT Manager from Hornchurch, Essex, decided to make his first big event an eight lap, 52.4 mile ultra! Interview by Fiona Bugler. Photographs by ISP Photography

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Ryan James, former GB Iron Man triathlete, dishes out expert advice on food to fuel your feet.

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This meal just oozes flavour. It is well-balanced, low in saturated fat and packed with goodness. Treat yourself to this before, or after a workout or impress your friends with it at a supper party. The salsa contains heaps of vitamins and the couscous will sustain you for hours. It goes without saying that fresh tuna is one of the better sources of omega-3 fatty acids – good for your heart and good for your brain.

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Running more than 26.2 miles was once considered the realm of extreme athletes but a growing number of runners are taking on the challenge, and discovering that running 30 miles or more on trails can be easier than running a road marathon. How is this possible and how do you go about training for one?

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From The Baby Jogger Company, our Women’s product of the month – for June 2010

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After giving birth your body confidence can plummet. Resuming regular exercise can help you get back in shape and give you some much needed “me time”. But slowly does it, as Dominique Brady discovers…

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BEYOND FEET… Get your body strong and make training count! Tips from Matt Roberts

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Personal Trainer Matt Roberts has always been at the forefront of modern fitness training, so when we heard about his fit feet foot and gait analysis centre, we had to find out more… by Fiona Bugler

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The 80-20 rule and more – from Kate Percy, author of Go Faster Food

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Running Free nutrition expert and author of Go Faster Food, Kate Percy, interviews elites and ordinary runners to see what they’re eating before and after, training, racing and all through the day - and offers tips to improve their diet (and your’s too!)...

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In 1989, a paramedic wanted to push past the limits in a Texas-hot, 100-mile cycle race. He created a hydration system using a drip bag, surgical tubing and a big sock, and from there CamelBak was born.

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Ever since Paula donned her long socks at the Marathon, the compression market has boomed and is more sophisticated than ever with guards, shorts, tops, and socks…

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Double Olympic marathon runner, Liz Yelling, announces the launch of GirlzRun – a unique series of coaching workshops aimed specifically at female runners.

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Runners aren’t shy when it comes to toilet issues…a good thing too! The Keep It Light Campaign, launched by Juice Doctor urges us to check our wee. This follows the findings of new research which found 96 percent of UK office workers are habitually dehydrated.

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Thirty-four percent of UK adults say they have cut back on alcohol in the past year, with one in ten saying they have given up completely. A quarter of respondents plan to cut down their alcohol consumption over the next few months.

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Young female athletes who exercise excessively are often prone to amenorrhea – the cessation of monthly periods – which can lead to heart disease in later life.

However, according to new findings published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, regular folic acid supplementation can help prevent this.

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This year a group of friends, four girls and three boys - all about to turn 40 - had a school reunion with a twist, as Claudia told me on twitter...

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SEPTEMBER 26TH – at the 2012 OLYMPIC ROWING LAKE, WINDSOR, WITH VOTWO, 2:30PM

Votwo Events & Adventure are a well established company operating for the past five years and building a reputation for quality events such as the Jurassic and Atlantic Coastal Challenges/Dorney Triathlons and the infamous Kamikaze Adventure Races.

Votwo are pleased to be joining with Running Free, to launch the inaugural, Running Free 10k and 5k running races at the 2012 Olympic Rowing lake at Eton Rowing College, Dorney Lake, Windsor, on the 26th September 2010 at 2:30pm.

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June’s food and drink favourites.

A selection of bars and drinks to help you train at your best, whether running 5k or an ultra!

• High Five 4:1
• Kick:Start breakfast
• Vita Coco: natural electrolyte drink
• SIS: build bar

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A very tasty bar that contains four parts carbohydrate (80 percent) and one part protein (20 percent). The carbohydrate in the 4:1 bar contains a mix of both simple sugars (hence the sweet taste!) and complex carbohydrate from Oats. Adding protein in the form of whey, helps with muscle growth and repair. £1.19 per bar, from www.highfive.co.uk

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It’s a simple idea, but often they’re the best kind – the PediRoller from Carnation Footcare is a ridged cylinder that you use by rolling under your foot. It massages a band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia, an area that can often become tight or painful in hard working feet.

£6.99, from www.pediroller.co.uk

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Foot expert, Jon Roberts, told me to look after the dry skin on my feet (see p22) – and this is just the thing! Formulated for rough, hard, dry and cracked feet, Flexitol Heel Balm contains a powerful 25 percent urea based ingredient that nourishes the skin. Urea breaks down hardened, callused skin and eliminates cracks and fissures. £8, from www.drfoot.co.uk

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Author Chris McDougall is a barefoot advocate, and ex-international runner, Julia, who interviewed him likes to go light. If you’re not quite ready for “no shoes”, but want to try lightweight, then try:

• Nike Free Run +
• Eco-Biom

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Accapi pyjamas - good enough for Martin Lel!

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What’s it like to run as an old lizard…

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May’s roundup of what’s on offer for runners.

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The Running Inn has joined forces with Running Free Magazine to bring an exciting new dimension to our training weekends.

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I love tweeting! It’s a great way to be inspired and motivated by the stories and daily messages of other runners. Tell me your stories on twitter @runningfreemag – I want to hear about your running goals, races, running romances, running ups and downs…

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As people lament the decline in standards amongst UK marathon runners, we’re pleased to report a positive move as UKA and the London Marathon have joined forces and £150,000 of funding will be used to help finance altitude training camps.

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We’re constantly told about the extraordinary things that runners get up to. And this story definitely deserves a mention.

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Tower running – the latest new craze for runners has reached Yorkshire

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CherryActive Concentrate is made from 100 per cent Montmorency cherries with no added sugars or additives. The juice from 3000 cherries is squeezed into a 946ml bottle - a month’s supply at 30ml per/day.

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Running is a challenge. It gets you fit and strong, but it takes time and effort, and with every passing decade you’ll be presented with a new set of challenges. We show you how to be the best runner you want to be, whatever your age.
BY JULIA ARMSTRONG, author, life coach and former international athlete

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These kebabs are delicious cooked on the barbecue and are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. They’re a lovely indulgence for a summer’s evening especially if you’ve “carb-overloaded” in the run up to your marathon. Lambs lettuce has tender, dark, oval leaves and a lovely tangy flavour.

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Ryan James, former GB Iron Man triathlete, dishes out expert advice on food to fuel your feet.

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Ever had the urge to run the world? To be a globe-trotting racer - the Phileas Fogg of running? Well, that’s exactly what our new intrepid reporter and columnist, ex-international marathon runner, Julia Armstrong is doing… over the coming months you can read how she gets on here, in Race The World…
She’s not only on this journey to provide Running Free with copy, Julia, who has a marathon PB of 2:36, has a globe-trotting goal. She wants to get faster and reach the UK marathon best for a woman over 50 (2:53:15)… The first part of her road running trip sees her in Nice in November 2009.

 

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Forty-year-old Sam Alvarez, winner of the Beachy Head Marathon in October 2009, and the first Sussex woman to cross the line, tells us her story of the Hastings Half…

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This year St Christopher’s Hospice joins the 10th Anniversary of the nation’s favourite London 10k road race on Sunday 11 July 2010. Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch sets the stage for the start line with Royal Horse Guards forming the magnificent backdrop as runners approach the finish line on Whitehall.

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A fantastic first event marred only by the soaring temperatures, Susan Hughes, a 41 year-old mum of three, recalls her race…

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The UK’s first women’s only half marathon has been hailed a huge success and the stage is now set for the two other races in a series organised by the Women’s Running Network.

[Read more...]

A serious athlete, who runs three hour marathons dressed as Elvis, but for Emmerdale’s Tony Audenshaw, running is about having fun - and the entertainer always takes centre stage.

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Former Navy diver, Julian Crabtree, hails from South Africa, and is a London based sports journalist. He was the third person ever, to compete the Serum Run on foot – a 1100 mile run across the Alaskan wilderness. He’s also the third person to do the Enduroman Arch to Arc in a time of 87 hours and 36 minutes, one of the world’s ultimate endurance challenges - a 289 mile triathlon from Marble Arch, London to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris that has only ever been completed six times as a solo event. In 2009 Julian became the first person to swim all the waves of the Great Swim series - a total of 43 miles.

Find out more about Julian at www.juliancrabtree.com

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Steve Ovett, has had a remarkable career in athletics and helped make the early 1980s a glory time for British Running. When we heard this hero was back in town we had to meet him.

by Fiona bugler

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Former England footballer, Danny Mills, raced The Brighton Marathon on April 18 2010 in a wheelchair to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Spina bifida, the condition that took the life of his newborn son in 2002...

Interview by Fiona Bulger

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The Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon is firmly established on the autumn race calendar and organisers are hoping for bumper entries this year, particularly as it falls on Sunday, October 10 - the lucky Chinese date 10-10-10.

The event is organised by Swindon Borough Council and sponsored by Nationwide Building Society and, for the first time, prize money has been introduced for the top-placed runners in the half marathon.

The 13.1-mile race winds its way through pretty neighbouring villages, more than compensating for the undulating parts of the course. And if the half marathon is not for you, the event also boasts a five-mile multi-terrain and a two-mile fun run.

Finishers in all of the races will receive a medal, t-shirt and a goody bag along with the satisfaction and achievement of crossing the finish line. The British Heart Foundation administers all event registration.

For more information call the registration line on 0800 169 3672 or visit www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk

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I put plasters on me nipples. I do it in private, but I do it. If you know about “Nipples of Fire” then this admission is not surprising. But, for those of you who are horrified and bewildered by the thought of a grown man wearing some kind of minimal bra from hell, please read on...

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Resolution 10K...Go one step further! Put on your trainers, pull on your shorts and join us for The Stroke Association’s Resolution 10K on Sunday 15 August! This is the second run in our Resolution 2010 series encouraging you to keep fit and motivated. Join us on a fantastic Sunday morning run, in the cosmopolitan Finsbury Park. This event comes with some great benefits including a free technical running vest, water stations, kilometre markers, baggage stations and medals.

Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of severe disability in the UK. Help The Stroke Association raise vital awareness and funds to support those affected by this condition and the people who care for them. Entry fee is £15 but there is no fundraising target we just ask you to raise what you can.

It’s easy to sign up and only takes a few minutes, so what are you waiting for? Register on-line at www.stroke.org.uk/resolution

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Britain boasts one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, nearly all of which is accessible by ancient paths and trails which offer unrivalled opportunities for trail runners to indulge themselves.

The Endurancelife team has carefully selected the very best sections of the South West British coastline and put together a seven-stage series that represents a wild and varied cross-section of coastal landscapes and terrain. The series spans seven months from November to May and comprises of seven challenging stages, each set in a different stunning location along the rugged coastline of Western Britain.

Each inspiring stage has its own character and takes in the natural, historic and architectural highlights of the area. And every part of the course throws up a unique set of challenges and contains an incredible abundance of natural beauty and unlimited potential to inspire.

April 2010 24/04/2010: CTS 2009-10 - Cornwall

May 2010 22/05/2010: CTS 2009-10 - Exmoor

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The Berlin Marathon boasts one of the most attractive marathon routes in the world, with numerous historic sights lining the course. Add to this over one million spectators out in force to cheer you on and you are in for the experience of a lifetime! This is your chance to take on this World Marathon Major along with 40,000 other runners.

Finishing right next to the Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, you will be taken on a journey from East to West travelling through the rich history of this beautiful city. Berlin has set the scene for many personal bests given its extremely fast and flat course, providing ideal conditions for the first time marathon runner or those trying to set a new PB – this is your chance to run on a world-record breaking course!

Within easy reach of the UK this is a great autumnal marathon to set your sights on, hosted by a city which knows how to celebrate your marathon success. To top this off as a member of Team Whizz-Kidz, we’ll even offer to pay £400 towards the cost of your trip if you raise £1,500 or more.

“Running the Berlin Marathon last year for Whizz-Kidz was the most amazing experience. The course and the atmosphere are second to none. I challenge you to find a better marathon and a better cause!” said, Jim Marshall Berlin Marathon runner in 2009.

Whizz-Kidz has places in this fantastic marathon. We are looking for people to join the team and will be with you every step of the way to help you go the extra mile!

Whizz-Kidz changes disabled children’s lives by providing them with customised mobility equipment, training and advice, in turn giving them the independence to be themselves.

As a Team Whizz-Kidz runner you will benefit from the first-class support of a dedicated Events Team, training support from the Whizz-Kidz Coach, an invite to an exclusive Whizz-Kidz Training Day plus our fantastic Whizz-Kidz reimbursement scheme.

To find out more about running the Berlin marathon for Whizz-Kidz get in touch now on 020 7233 9696 or events@whizz-kidz.org.uk.

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