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Everyone focuses on their running shoes. They look at multiple options, test out a few and then finally go for the one that fits best (hopefully). But what about the humble running sock. How much attention do you pay to them? Find out why you should spend as much time choosing them as you do your shoes.

Running training isn't all about pounding the same streets every day at the same pace. Try something different. There are other options, although these can be more relevant as your training develops. In the first instance you should increase time on feet, but when you're ready you can mix it up with some hills, intervals and fartlek! Yep, we'll explain what that is. Remember to always stick to your training plan. Mixing up your training can make a real difference to your mot

You know it makes sense to eat fruit. We all do, but we probably don't eat as much as we should. When training for an event or just running to keep fit, eating fruit becomes even more important. Fruit is full of antioxidants, fibre, carbohydrates and is great for hydration. Inevitably some types of fruit are better than others. We'll talk you through what you need to include in your running diet and why.

One of the world's most talked about marathons, the New York City Marathon is one that you have to do at some point in your running career. Getting in through the lottery can be a challenge, but there are also tour operator and charity entries. Once you're in you need to have a read on our tips for a great New York City Marathon experience!

We all know it's a really hard one to get a spot in the London Marathon and for many runners they never do. But if you are one of the lucky ones you need to make sure everything is planned to perfection, both before, during and after. Leave nothing to chance and the London Marathon will give you an experience you'll never forget.

Not enough runners invest in a massage on a regular basis. We're talking about a deep tissue massage here, not a little superficial tickle. A sports massage gets deep into the tissue and it's a great way of helping your body deal with the stress that lots and lots of running can cause. Specific areas will be targeted, those that are more likely to come under pressure from repeated runners. This kind of massage is invaluable.

The only Asian event in the World Marathon Majors series, the Tokyo Marathon feels very different to the rest. If you haven't been to Japan before you are in for sensory overload. It is an intriguing country and its capital is like no other. Marathon running is massive in this country and this event is the pinnacle. Getting a spot is extremely difficult so if you do get one then make sure you make the most of every minute.

The Antarctica continent is truly stunning. If you get the opportunity to run the Antarctica Marathon then you're in for a real treat once the race is done. You have three days exploring some amazing sights, including the world famous Paradise Bay, maybe the most beautiful place on earth.

One of the most common reasons why runners fall out of love with the sport is because they get bored. And they often get bored because they are running the same old routes. Variety is the spice of life and this is nowhere more applicable than in running. If you don't get a good selection of options sorted from day one then boredom is around the corner. Even if you have to get in the car, then do it.

Motivation is a key driver in achieving our running ambitions. You can lay out the most ambitious plans you like but if you don't stay motivated then you won't achieve them. It's a bit of a 'catch 22' situation though as motivation is driven by success itself. Success of course is relative and we determine what that is ourselves. It's one of the factors that will keep you motivated but there are others and we'll discuss them here.

You can't just let social media and some emails to friends and family get you to your target on their own. You'll need to do more if you want to get to it and go beyond. There are so many options, some much tougher than others. Here we look at ten of the best. Don't be the one that has to tell their charity they couldn't make it!

Strava turns every iPhone and Android into a sophisticated running and cycling computer (and we work with your GPS watches and head units, too). Start Strava before an activity and you can track your favorite performance stats, and afterwards, dive deep into your data. Record an activity and it goes to your Strava feed, where your friends and followers can share their own races and workouts, give kudos to great performances and leave comments on each other's activities.

If you've not heard of cupping therapy, don't worry you're not alone. More talked about in health circles now than it has been for years, it's very much an ancient treatment, dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. It's a treatment in which there are special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. It helps to treat pain, blood flow and inflammation, and is great for relaxation and well-being, as well as being a type of deep-tissue

Running through all four areas of Belfast; North, South, East and West, the Belfast Marathon starts at Stormont Estate and finishes in the City's Ormeau Park. There's also a team relay and walk that means every opportunity to get involved and leads to even bigger crowds. Held in May every year there is also a half marathon in September. In 2022 the Belfast Marathon celebrated its 40 year anniversary!

If you've never acupuncture before it is well worth investigating. Obviously not just anyone can start sticking needles all over your head and body so you'll need to visit a regulated healthcare professional. Many more physios now practise acupuncture than in previous years and rightly so. Research has shown it may be helpful for several pain conditions, including back, neck and knee pain and that it can increase energy levels.

There are a lot of new 'disruptor' brands in the running shoe markets at the moment and some that have been around for a very long time. One of the oldest is New Balance, which began operations in 1906. Founded in the Boston area it was initially focused on arch supports, but by 1934, under the name the New Balance Athletic Shoe Company, it was firmly established as a specialist sports shoe company.

Another of the original band of running shoe manufacturers, Mizuno was formed in 1906 in Osaka, Japan. It started out as a baseball retailer and then as a manufacturer of baseball gear, before moving into golf. Running became a bigger part of its portfolio in 1961 when a US office was opened in LA.

One of the oldest running brands is Saucony. Founded in 1898 in the US state of Pennsylvania and known originally as the Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Company, it was acquired in 1968 by Hyde. In 2012 it became part of Wolverine World Wide. As well as shoes it's a big manufacturer of apparel, hats, backpacks for leisure and sporting use. Its running shoes have a loyal following and are well established in most markets globally.