Read reviews on whats good and whats bad on kit - races -training techniques - suppliments. And don't leave it to us, let us have your feedback and reports on some of the things you have tried and tested. What works and what doesn't work for you..?

While everyone around me in my office is coughing, sneezing and spluttering after having their flu jabs, I seem to be quite the picture of health. Why..? I did not have the flu jab. Due to my condition, I don’t do the flu jab thing. The reason being my blood is yellow and I am half man and half chicken….And to be brutally honest I am bloody scared of long needles…!!!

Another reason for me being the picture of health, as every bug and germ know to man, and a few that are not know to man or beast whizz around my ears is that I take Echinacea on a regular basis. I also have a reassembly healthy diet, and with my running, take part in healthy exercise.   So somewhere, something is doing me good. 

I have recently change my brand of Echinacea to Activeplus which appears to have a more concentrated extract with vitamin C, and this has seemed to spurred on, and strengthened my immune system. I am not new to Activeplus products and I am a regular user of their multivitamins, of which I highly recommend. 

Like most things, some products suit some more than others, I have found one that does. It is not a miracle cure, but one to re-enforce the immune system. Available online from www.activeplus.co.uk I am also impressed at the speed of their delivery service too.

Verdict 10/10

I first found this product at a tiring stint at the London marathon expo 2005 - The girl on the Phiten stand asked if I had any injuries. I just indicated to a stiff neck - She had a look as I tilted my head to one side. She sat me down applied Aqua Titanium lotion to my neck and shoulders...Well anything for free....!! And she placed a series of small round plasters around the same area. I won't say that is was instantainious - But I did loosen up and relax me.

So what was the magic...? The laying on of hands - The magic lotion or the plasters...? Some of us seek massage to ease tension..so maybe. But it was really a combination of the lotion and the plasters as they both had one special ingredient - Titanium. Apart from being an expensive metallic material it posses a healing quality by realining the bodies cells giving great relief. Developed by a Japanese Doctor this is one of those discoveries that I feel does actually work. Having tried many 'wonder products' some with revolting smells that could stun a charging Rhino at a 100 yards - This is one that is odourless and does what it says on the can....

Titanium can be use in many ways such as a plaster or tape - woven into clothing or support strapping. I chose the Rakuwa necklass - Strands of woven fibre with a titanium core. You may have noticed in the World Champs that Paula Radcliffe was wearing a Rakuwa necklass too. What I do recomend for runners who are tense in the shoulders when running is trying the Rakuwa sport which is silicon coated waterproofing it. I now never leave for a run without it and I seem to run more relaxed even when putting in an effort......

For more information on the Phiten product range and its amazing qualities - www.phiten.co.uk

Verdict 10/10

Item - Hilly Mono Skin Anti - Odour X-Static Sock. Keep your feet dry and comfortable with these mid-weight running socks, which even include real silver in the yarn for increased moisture management and odour control.

Report - In the past I was used to a more longer sock around the ankle, mainly as I felt this more secure, and I will admit I have used cheaper and less technical socks in the past. But I have to admit that the sock length didn’t worry me at all as the sock was a incredibly good fit. My concern with an ankle sock has been one of would the sock slip..? Especially if I was running long distances in marathon training, and the last thing you wanted was the run interrupted by a ill fitting sock. One thing with these socks was the confidence that they gave once on my feet, not only in fit but also in rubbing, of which there was no friction or sign of blister throughout the trial.

When worn in the dry or wet, as on one occasion I encountered a down pour of snow (such is our climate..!! ) they retained shape and comfort still instilling that confidence in them. The only question I have is “When will they ever wear out..?!” The general appearance is still as good as the first day I received them to test. They have up held their shape, were at this stage with my previous socks, I guess a legacy from a much inferior product would of either worn out, got out of shape or got holes in them. The fact that these look so good after 250 miles is a testament to your design and materials used in this product. I would have no problems in recommending these to other runners.

Update - As up until the 18th September these socks have cover 400 miles and still feel as comfortable and reliable as day one....

More info on the Hilly range - www.hillyclothing.co.uk

Verdict 10/10 recomended