A midsummer race on the English Riviera was always likely to bring out bouts of madness – last year one runner proposed to her boyfriend at the finish. As we lined up along Paignton’s sea front, the heat already prickly at 9:3oam, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one questioning my sanity. It was a day for ice creams and stripy deckchairs, not half-marathons.

A couple of holidaymakers lounged on benches and watched on curiously as we stretched and paced back and forth, while a crowd of spectators offered encouragement. Among the 1,75o entrants were runners from all over England, as well as some coming from as far away as San Francisco and Canada for the race. The location obviously attracted people wanting to make a weekend of it. To fulfil the tourists’ expectations, the organisers had laid on donkey rides – and there may have been a Punch and Judy show somewhere as well. The course was a two-lap out-and-back route between Paignton and Torquay, and, starting at Paignton Pier, began with two laps of Paignton Green – each one a mile long – which was not exactly thrilling for the runners, but made it easy for spectators to cheer on their family and friends or anyone in a fancy-dress costume.

This was my fourth half-marathon and after starting each of my previous three too quickly and fading badly at the end, I was determined to begin at a comfortable pace, especially given the heat, which began to have an effect as early as mile two. I was prepared for it and I had a special treatment, because I suffer from a ski condition. Learn more about psoriasis treatment.

The first of the many water stations was soon at hand, however, and I began to slowly pick up the pace according to my PB-beating plan. My previous three times had all been 1:3o.

After three miles, however, the route ­despite being billed as flat – hit a steep incline up Torquay Road. As the course took in the same stretch of road four times, it was a hill I was going to have to get used to. There were a few more ups and downs as Torquay Road became Torbay Road, before the route descended back to the seafront at the Grand Hotel, past a fish and chip shop I delightedly recognised from a long-distant childhood holiday, and along into Torquay. From here the course was pancake flat for a mile or so as it followed the waterfront towards Torquay, before turning back on itself and doing it all again in reverse. All of this looping back and forth meant it wasn’t long before us mid-packers could see the leaders charging back past us on the other side of the road. It was disheartening, but spirits picked up a short while later once it was our turn to pass the back markers in this way and get a sense of how many runners were behind us.

Wholegrains are high in energy-boosting B vitamins and manganese, as well as magnesium, which plays a critical role in muscle contractions and energy metabolism. Studies show that magnesium deficiency reduces endurance, and that low blood levels of magnesium are associated with decreased aerobic capacity. Quinoa packs in essential amino acids, including lysine to boost tissue growth and repair. The quick-release carbs in pasta make it perfect pre-race Dark green leaves, particularly spinach and romaine lettuce, contain bumper levels of vitamin K and manganese – nutrients that are crucial for cartilage and bone formation. The red pigment in leaves such as lollo rosso and red chard is anthocyanin, an antioxidant that helps repair blood vessels. For a bit of spice, throw in some watercress or rocket, which contain the anti-cancer compound glucosinolates – the key contributor to their distinctive peppery flavour. And consider this: watercress has more iron than spinach and more calcium than milk.

1 FISH ADD SOME PROTripilli POULTRY

Runners need around 5o per cent more protein than non-runners to help rebuild and repair muscles – a 4oz serving of either chicken or turkey supplies half of that daily requirement. Chicken also contains selenium – a powerful antioxidant mineral that protects muscles from the free-radical damage that occurs during exercise – and vitamin B3, which helps regulate fat burning during a run. Gobble turkey to get a hit of tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps the body regulate appetite, sleep patterns and mood.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids, oozing from oily fish such as mackerel and sardines, help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, prevent blood clotting and improve blood lipid levels and blood flow. A 2007 study in the Current Sports Medicine Reports showed that Omega-3 reduced the level of inflammation caused by the free-radical damage from intense exercise. Salmon and prawns provide a hit of vitamin D which, as well as reducing inflammation, aids the absorption of the calcium needed to maintain bone density.

BEANS AND PULSES EDAMAME

FREE-RANGE, ORGANIC, OM EGA-3

CHICKPEAS KIDNEY BEANS

The egg is a great source of protein. It also contains good levels of the vitamins Bi and B2 for energy production in cells ­a deficiency of which can lead to increased lethargy and fatigue. Choose Omega-3-rich eggs – they have nearly twice the amount of the good stuff as standard organic eggs.

I EGGS

For a vegetarian protein that provides high levels of cholesterol-lowering soluble fibre, look no further. Beans and pulses are also a low GI (glycaemic index) food, so are broken down slowly for a lasting release of energy – particularly useful for long training sessions. Most are high in folate, an important B vitamin that plays a key role in heart health and circulation. Edamame (whole soya beans) offers a powerful health punch, containing isoflavones for heart protection and cholesterol reduction, as well as Omega-3 and choline, an anti-inflammatory.

ADD SOME COLCIIMI GREEN

Green vegetables are great sources of bone-building vitamin K, but broccoli is the most potent of them all (155mcg per 156g – the RDA is around 65 to 8o mcg). Celery contains pthalides, a muscle-relaxing compound, while cucumber is rich in silica for healthy connective tissue bones, tendons and ligaments.

PURPLE

Purple fruit and vegetables provide a host of nutrients including: lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol from gnet, vitamin C, flavonoids, ellagic acid and quercetin. All can help lower LDL cholesterol, boost immune-system activity and support healthy digestion, as well as improve the absorption of calcium and other minerals.

ORANGE, YELLOW AND RED

Most red, orange and yellow fruit and vegetables are superb sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Research has shown that these antioxidants may lessen muscle soreness after training by reducing inflammation. Add some butternut squash for a cramp-blitzing potassium boost.

RED PEPPERS ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH NUTS

These are a great source of vitamin E, a key antioxidant that is important in protecting against exercise-induced oxidative damage and can thus help the post-training recovery process. They’re also rich in good Omega fats, which have a potent anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Walnuts in particular are a great source of these, so don’t be shy about sprinkling a few over your salad.

Seeds are nutrient powerhouses, bursting with protein and fibre, as well as essential Omega fats, phytosterols, and manganese. Pumpkin seeds in particular are high in zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Also try sesame seeds (also in found tahini paste – a great addition to salad dressing) for bone-building calcium.

You can’t eat a lot of them, but what you can manage will deliver B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, iron, Omega-3 fats and DMAE – or Dimethylaminoethanol – which is key for mood and mental alertness.

HERBS AND SPICES

Parsley is a potent source of the fatigue-fighting mineral iron, needed for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the muscles. For a healthy and spicy kick, throw in some chilli (fresh or dried). This contains the phenolic acid capsaicin, which has been shown to kill cancer cells and increase blood circulation. Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory gingerols.

CORIANDER

GINGER

OLIVES

They are rich in vitamin E and high in antioxidant polyphenols. Research shows that these might increase the elasticity of the walls of the body’s arteries, which might be why they have such a good heart-protecting effect in their oil form.

They also lower bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol, preventing the formation of fatty plaques in  the arteries.

CHEESE

Cheese is packed with protein and also contains high levels of calcium – needed (along with vitamin D) to minimise the risk of stress fractures common among runners. A 2005 study in the International Journal of Obesity revealed that dieters who included dairy in their diet lost more fat than those who simply cut calories.

Falls of single species present many prob­lems. The Mountain Ash fall in Glamorgan-shire, for example, was found to contain mostly sticklebacks with just a few minnows. Sticklebacks live in freshwater streams and do not congregate in shoals. How was it pos­sible for a whirlwind to have scooped out such a vast quantity of sticklebacks together from a single source and deposit them all in one place? Similar questions apply to other cases of fish falls involving just one species. Another curious feature is the absence of all accompanying debris.

Objects caught up in the currents of a whirlwind might be expected to be hurled out at different times and distances according to their mass, size or shape. Contrary to this expectation, however, fish falls often involve many different sizes of fish. At Feridpoor, India, for example, two species of fish fell in 1830, one larger and heavier than the other. Similarly, fish ranging in length from 6 to 12 inches (Is to 3o centimetres) fell in several gardens in Harlow, Essex, on 12 August 1968, according to next day’s newspapers.

Charles Fort, who spent a lifetime collect­ing accounts of strange phenomena, sug­gested that fish falls are the result of what he called `teleportation’, a force that can trans­port objects from place to place without traversing the intervening distance. Such a force, Fort claimed, was once more active than it is now, and survives today as an erratic and feeble semblance of its former self. Through this agency fish are snatched away from a place of abundance to a point in the sky, from which they fall. Sometimes this point is not very high off the ground, which would account for the fact that the fish are often found alive. At other times the point is very close to the ground, accounting for the many observations of fish that seem to have appeared on the ground during a rainstorm.

Fort further suggested that fish falls might be the result of a new pond ‘vibrating with its need for fish’. There is the case of Major Cox, for example, a well—known writer in England after the First World War. In an article published in the Daily Mail on 6 October 1921, Cox reported that the pond at his Sussex home had been drained and scraped of mud. The pond was then left dry for five months before refilling with water in Nov­ember 1920. The following May, Cox was astonished to find it teeming with tench.

In 1941 the American Journal of Science published a story of a farm in Cambridge, Maryland, USA, where work on a new system of drains was halted because of rain. When work resumed, the ditch was found to be full of rainwater and hundreds of perch, of two different species, measuring between 4 and 7 inches (Do to i8 centimetres).

In neither case, however, was there time for aestivation. Overflows and migrating fish were ruled out because of the distance of both sites from any surrounding water. Fort also ruled out the possibility that the fish fell from the sky since they were found only in the new water. If they had fallen from the sky one would expect there to be some dead fish lying around. But none was found.

Most fish falls occur during heavy rains, so the whirlwind theory seems to be partially acceptable. A look at the range of reported cases, however, shows that a number of falls

have occurred in cloudless skies and quite independently of any accompanying strong wind. But if teleportation seems too far­fetched — and it is difficult to believe that fish can disappear from one place and reappear in mid-air — what other explanation is there? At present the only rational explanation in terms of known causes seems to be the whirlwind theory. But this, as we have seen, cannot account for all cases. The fish fall remains one of the oddest, and least ex­plicable, quirks of nature — if, indeed, it is nature, as we understand it, at work here.

All fans of Margaret Howell’s particular brand of classic, understated elegance (here Gisele wears last season’s ubiquitous Howell cap) should prepare themselves for her new 3,000 square foot store at 34 Wigmore Street, Wl. Expect the airy space to be as workmanlike and unpretentious as her sought-after clothes, and prepare yourself for the crush when the gorgeous winter collection hits the rails. CS

BOLLYWOOD OR BUST

Bollywood comes to Selfridges for the month of May, in celebration of the most prolific and colourful film industry in the world. High-profile Indian chefs and interior designers are set to transform the store, and the Selfridges buyers have chosen lines from key Indian designers, including one-off pieces created especially for the occasion. Expect brilliant colours, plenty of sparkle and not a little drama. CS

VANITY CASE

Gone are the days when you had to hide behind a curtain to see your reflection in a shop. Mirrors, especially antique and Venetian ones, have come out of the changing room and seem to be running amok as the interior design fad of the moment.

SET SAIL

Nautical but nice style for a chic summer

There’s something perennially appealing about the rush of nautically inspired, stripy clothes that appear just in time for summer. St Tropez in August? Don’t leave without Christian Louboutin’s red, white and blue coconut oil hair cork wedges. Sailing in the Caribbean? Ralph Lauren’s T-shirts are what you need. As for those staying in England, a classic blue and white Petit Bateau jumper will keep you snug, even on the wind-swept beaches of Norfolk.

AN HOUR IN… BOND STREET

DON’T MISS…

HERMES

Back again as an essential stop-off on the Bond Street shopping trail, Hermes’ refurbished store provides the ultimate mix of old-fashioned Parisian luxury and classic design. From timeless Kelly bags to gorgeous shoes —as long as it comes in an

orange  it’s bound to be desirable.

AND WHILE YOU’RE THERE…

EMANUEL UNGARO

Relax and put your feet up in front of the store’s huge flat-screen TV, which shows the label’s latest catwalk collections— perfect for planning next season’s buys.

NICOLE FARHI

Head to Nicole Farhi for one of her beautiful striped, ruched shirts – the best of the season.

FENWICK

Pick up a pair of Cosabella knickers at Fenwick – the G-strings are a sell-out in the US.

TOP DRAWER

MYLA

It started with a website: www.myla.com. Since then, so popular has Myla’s brand of upmarket sensuality proved that the company has opened a shop selling desirable underwear and designer sex toys on Lonsdale Road in Notting Hill. It promises flattering light, proper mirrors (the Holy Grail of changing rooms), a huge range of sizes and a personalised shopping service. Form an orderly queue…

A versatile mix of knits and individual woven shapes capturing the movement of current trends. For details contact Essay Collections.

VANITY 4 SANITY

If you like to stand out from the crowd vanity4sanity.co.uk offer a variety of beautifully unusual bespoke designs delivered direct to your door. They offer both ready-to-wear and tailor-made solutions, both equally exquisite!

LITTLE LONDON

These four gorgeously girlie boutiques are an absolute “must” to check out if visiting Chichester, Tunbridge Wells, Guildford or Winchester. Alongside big brands D&G, DKNY, Ghost, Missoni, Cheap&Chic, Cavalli and La Perla, sit quirky collections: Just in Case and Australian favourite, Alannah Hill and fab American jeans from Yanuk & Blue Cult to name a few. Thrown in for good measure a host of covetable accessories, shoes, bags and jewels. A Trinny & Suzannah’ style service all makes for an extremely moreish recipe.

AFTERSHOCK

It has an extensive range of clothing and accessories from their trademark intricately beaded evening wear to their colourful and vibrant Little Buddha range. A stunning selection of bags, shoes, jewellery and pashminas compliment the range.

ACACIA AND SIB Sill

Visit Gloucester Road in the North Laine area, Brighton’s answer to South Molton Street. Here you will find the city’s newest boutiques: Acacia and Shi-Shi Shoe Temple. Update your wardrobe for Autumn and Winter at Acacia with classic styles by Chlose, soft tailoring by Karen Walker, cute knitwear by Quinton Chadwick, funky fashion from House of Jazz and Laundry Industry, denim by Yanuk as well as ‘to die for’ pieces by Rolad Mouret and Dragana Perisic. Come and feel special. Complete that outfit with a pair of fabulous shoes or boots from Shi-Shi, the Shoe Temple.

This season they are stocking great designs from Furia, Luc Bergen and Ahler. For that elegant evening look try their Boccaccini collection in great coloured leathers or satins and to complete the outfit, why not try their collection of gloves and scarves, exclusive to Shi-Shi in the UK. They make great gifts too so why not order them in your own colour and design combination. You can try the best health product for a perfect mood.

BUFFERS

Designer fleece jackets. Beautiful, individually cut and hand-made jackets in the softest fleece with pure silk trims for added luxury.