The correct shoes can help significantly with both training and racing. You should go to a shoe store which specialises in Running shoes. They will then be able to fit you out correctly for shoes. A good shoe store is the best place to determine this. Remember when buying shoes always take you old ones along so they can be examined for signs of supination or pronation.
Some people also like to race in light weight shoes called racing flats.
They make your feet feel lighter but don't give enough protection for daily training. Treadmills Treadmills are not only for running in poor weather. A good treadmill which can go fast enough is one of the best ways of doing interval training. It offers excellent pace control and allows both running form and speed to be worked on. The lighter you are the faster you can run.