MARATHON PLAN

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ISSUE 132 || DECEMBER 2020

We couldn’t have done it without…

ISSUE 132 || DECEMBER 2020

HEADLINES

The people, campaigns, research and updates making an impact in our running community this month

NEW GEAR

The best kit for runners this month

Stop feeling dizzy when I run?

Many runners experience dizzy spells at some time. How can you reduce them?

HEALTH

The latest nutrition, beauty and health headlines. Because running doesn’t end at your feet

Rachel Diver

Rachel, an Asics FrontRunner, was determined to put a positive spin on the lack of races during this year’s lockdown by completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

FUEL

Try these three quick recipes for an easy yet nutritious meal or snack, perfect for the health-conscious runner

Whatever the weather

Laura Fountain is a mother, a running coach, a personal

CLINIC

Most runners can empathise with the sudden pain that can strike your calves and result in an enforced period of rest. How can you prevent a strain occurring, so you can focus on consistent training?

MY BEST RUN

My earliest memories are of running around Cornish

Is HIIT better for runners than low impact training?

We all know that cross-training is important for runners, due to the repetitive nature of our sport, but is it best to go for high impact or low impact work to supplement your running fitness?

FREE DECATHLON TRAIL BACKPACK

WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO WOMEN’S RUNNING

“I want to look back and say I gave it everything. I don’t want to have any regrets”

Quick as a flash on the track and equally quick-witted offit, the Hylton sisters are on track for GB glory at the postponed Tokyo Olympics, now scheduled for 2021. Prepare to be wooed and wowed

The votes are in! And here are the winners…

Everything’s been different in 2020. And so it’s not

Lockdown hero

We love him, our kids love him, parents across the

Influencer of the year

We have a very special place in our hearts for wonderful

Charity of the year

This has been a tough year for many of us, but it’s

Shoe brand of the year

Brooks’ dedication to runners is paying dividends.

Apparel of the year

The world is brimming with black lycra, and many of

Tech of the year

This year, it came as absolutely no surprise that you

Nutrition of the

Most new runners gravitate towards High5 for their

Accessory of the year

Giving Nike a run for their money – and our money –

Retailer of the year

Do you remember the first time you went to a Decathlon

Club of the year

Bev’s brilliant club has gone from strength to strength.

Virtual Race of the year

Lockdown without a London Marathon? It wasn’t a possibility.

Parkrun of the year

With Cardiffbeing the home to the female parkrun world

5K of the year

We are so pleased that this race won our 5K category.

10K of the year

The Vitality 10,000 was a clear favourite, and won

Half of the year

If races were like a fish and chip supper, and you

Marathon of the year

No, it’s not a surprise: we all love this marathon.

International of the year

You’ve voted the New York City Marathon the best international

Ultra of the year

The Jurassic 50K is such an epic, scenic and unforgettable

OCR of the year

It wasn’t a shock to us that Tough Mudder took the

THE FAB FOUR TICK OFF LONDON

Covid-19 has seen the best-laid plans go to waste, but Emma Campbell and her friends weren’t going to let a global pandemic ruin their dreams

All I want for Christmas…

…is you. And the perfect pair of running shoes

Running mates Because we run better together

This month, you tell us why you love running 5K, how one club is inspiring more black women to take up the sport and why a morning run is the perfect way to help you focus for the rest of the day

Your questions answered

Getting back into training aft er an injury, running while pregnant and how to find a great club. Plus tips for dealing with pre-race jitters

Tanni Grey-Thompson

One of Britain’s most successful Paralympians, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s medal haul includes 11 golds, four silvers and one bronze, achieved at five games over 16 years

Nicole Allan

Nicole Allan is not only a Team GB duathlete, she’s also a hockey player and triathlete who dreams of running the London Marathon

Win! THE MARATHON TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Massive prize includes a VIP race entry, plus flights and hotel for you and a friend!

ESSENTIAL KIT

Our testers have gone the extra mile in this month’s latest shoes

ESSENTIAL WINTER ACCESSORIES

Get set and be seen on the longer nights and colder days

ESSENTIAL JACKETS

It’s time to invest in some serious outer layers

ESSENTIAL GLOVES

Hands down, one of the most important elements of your winter kit list

ESSENTIAL NUTRITION

Ensure you’re fuelled up for those winter runs

Long-distance TEST

Claire Kelson has fallen for these stylish, versatile tights

GROUP TEST BASELAYERS & TIGHTS

It’s getting cold – boo. But we’ve found these amazing baselayers and tights to keep you toasty every mile – yay!

ESSENTIAL TECH

Stay one step ahead of your competition with the latest gadgets

Boxing CLEVER

Hitting the punch bag is not only a great way to balance speed, coordination, power and stamina, it can help you up your running game and be beneficial to your mental health

Super circuit

Shorter days and the uncertainty of Covid-19 are not excuses to put your feet up. Here’s a super circuit you can do in the comfort of your own home to get you fighting fit in time for Christmas

Calf stretch

A simple exercise with many benefits

Need to know Protein

Harness the powers of protein to boost your running performance

A day’s protein for runners

Here’s an idea of how you could get your daily intake

Alex Parren

Having struggled with eating disorders, Alex Parren took the positive step of qualifying as a nutritionist and personal trainer

EDEN VALLEY ULTRA TRAIL

The sun shone on this inaugural Kent race and, as Lydia Willgress and 94 other runners discovered, it was a joyful feeling to be back in action aft er seeing the summer calendar interrupted by Covid-19

THE FARNHAM PILGRIM HALF AND FULL

The brass band may have been missing, but a friendly atmosphere and free snacks made this undulating run a success for Jane Palmer

DIARY

If you love a challenge, there are now plenty of virtual races on offer. Meanwhile, some real-world events are in the diary, with Covid-19 safety precautions in place and organisers offering no-questions refunds if they have to be cancelled. Some will just convert into a virtual event if need be. Always check your race instructions carefully and look out for last-minute changes – often an amended or staggered start time. Here are some of the best online and real-world races to help keep you motivated…