1. Look after your feet and they’ll look after you. The right pair of running shoes will make your training experience much more comfortable and reduce your chance of injury. Go to a reputable running store for gait analysis (looking at your running style)  to find the best pair for you.

For more tips check out our Complete Guide To Buying Running Shoes.

2. Choose clothes that are designed for exercise. They’re made of technical fabrics that draw sweat away from the skin to keep you cool and dry and prevent the rubbing and heavy sweat patches you’ll likely experience with a cotton t-shirt.

3. Train in the kit you plan to wear for the race at least a couple of times before the big day. You need to be sure it works for you and doesn’t ride up, rub or irritate your skin. Don’t wear new shoes on race day either as you run the risk of blisters. Stick to what you know works.

4. Women should always wear a sports specific bra to control bounce, reduce breast and back pain, and prevent stretching of the ligaments that support the breast.

5. Dress for the weather and aim to feel cool and comfortable rather than too hot or cold. Use a layering system on a cooler day. It’s better to start with an extra layer and take it off as you run than remain cold and hate every moment.

6. If you’re running to and from work get a fitted backpack from a running shop. A running backpack needs to bind around you with little or no movement so there’s no annoying jiggle or chafing where the straps meet your skin.