Nipguards - £9
Protection against painful nipple abrasion and chaffing, a must for those training for a race.

Balega Socks - from £9
Essential protection for your feet, recently reviewed and proven to help prevent blisters

Soleus Running Watches - from £31.50
Track your pace, distance and heart rate with one of our excellent Soleus running watches

Dermatone Spot Protection Stick - £7
Waterproof & sunproof SPF protection against chapping, sun, windburn & cold for sun-sensitive areas including nose, ears, face, lips, forehead & shoulders. Bonds to skin on contact (doesn't run into eyes).

Camelbak Delaney Plus Black & Yellow Running Waistpack - £29.70
Ideal for a 10K, the Camelbak Delaney Plus Waistpack includes a 24 oz Podium® bottle and one 5 oz gel flask, as well as space for other essentials (MP3 player, keys, money, etc) leaving no excuses for not setting personal bests!

Kinetica Energy Gel 60ml - £1.50
Kinetica Hydrating Energy Gel is a super convenient, easily absorbed tri carb blend with additional natural, high quality Sea salt to maintain hydration. Replenish energy quickly during training or competition by taking one sachet (with water) at 20/30 minute intervals. 

2XU PERFORM Compression Calf Guards - £28.80
Engineered for active use with powerful fabrics offering unparalleled breathability, moisure management and flexibility to keep the wearer comfortable and focused. 

Sunwise Running Sunglasses - from £21.60
Keep your focus on the road and the sun out your eyes with a pair of Sunwise running sunglasses - durable, lightweight, comfortable and secure. Choose from a range of interchangeable lenses to ensure the very best visibility whatever the light conditions.

Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Skin Protection - from £6.30
Bodyglide Anti-Chafe balm is the recognized leader for comfort and helps prevent and relieve hot spots on feet, and chafed, chapped and cracked skin from head to toe. Hypoallergenic, non-petroleum based, easy to apply, no mess.

Running Hats, Caps & Headbands - from £9
Keep sun and hair out your eyes while maintaining a cool temperature with one of our lighweight running hats or headbands.

Clif Shot Bloks - £2.25
Great for eating on the move, Clif Shot Bloks come in chewable 33 calorie cubes, making it easy to customise and track caloric and electrolyte intake during races. Easy to chew with a choice of flavours including Mountain Berry and Orange.

Isostar Powertabs - £5
Isostar Powertabs (10 x 12g dissolving tablets) make 2.5 litres of refreshing lemon Isotonic sports drink - high in energy & low in calories (44kcal per 250ml).

Are you training for a big race? Let us know your essential race kit!

Hopefully you have suitable running shoes that you are both happy and familiar with and you have followed your training plan to the letter and so you should be used to your routine. If this is you then stick to the plan.

No new foods, extra speed sessions or new shoes. I wouldn't go and buy a new bum bag full of energy gels from your local sports shop and expect a miracle. Treat it like just another run and you will enjoy it.

All of your hard work and dedication that has got you to this point may have led to some muscle tightness. If so then there are a few things you can try in addition to your general stretching program. Self massage using a foam or grid roller is very effective and these items are fast becoming a staple piece in many runners wardrobes. Alternatively book yourself a sports massage where all the work is done for you at our clinic.

With regards to diet before race day, simply make sure that you eat well. Most runners will try to increase their carbohydrate intake pre-race, however sticking to what is familiar should prevent any unexpected tummy irritation. Don’t forget to keep well hydrated but bear in mind fizzy drinks and alcohol don’t count.

Clothing is something that can spoil your chances of a great run, so just go with what you have been using in training. If it’s raining and a little warm then wearing a waterproof jacket is likely to make you overheat.

Don't wear running tights if you always run in shorts. And fellas, if you are worried about chaffed nipples then invest in some nip guards or body glide. If you've managed to get some breathable running socks then it's good practice to wash them before the big day.

Lastly on the clothing front, pin your number to your chosen top the night before to avoid any last minute panic on race day.

Once you’re fed, watered and your kit is ready be sure to get a good night sleep.

On race day, remember to keep an even and steady pace throughout the race. If you choose to try and get ahead of the crowds by starting the race like Usain Bolt then just try and settle into your strides as soon as you can.

Before you know it the halfway marker will be behind you and you'll be on your way to the finish line.

We wish everyone taking part in this year's Great Scottish Run here in Glasgow a very successful day. All the best from achilles heel!

In conjunction with STV.

A great website which will let you calculate your distance and log your runs.

Benefit your running with a yoga workshop designed specifically to cater to the runners needs. No yoga experience required. Visit Balance for more information.