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They've described it as a bit hilly. I'd be interested to read if anyone has done this race before, and what I can look forward to this weekend! Thanks, kc.

Arriving back from this morning's run, my hands were so cold they were actually sore. I had a fairly good pair of gloves on, but evidently not warm enough for the half-six freezing fog. Can anyone recommend a really good pair of gloves or mitts that will stop my hands feeling like they're going to drop off? Obviously they have to suitable for running in, so I'd rather not have those giant gauntlets normally worn by those on polar expeditions but all recommendations welcome. Thanks!

I've been in a similar situation, although the location wasn't anywhere you'd choose to go for a holiday and could hardly be described as fun or relaxing. Despite dimly-lit and badly-surfaced roads, feral dogs and a niggling fear of kidnapped by Al-Qaeda or some other local terrorist group, I managed to keep to my regular schedule (albeit without the track sessions).

I got stared at, I was followed by kids on bikes, and I got lost when the building I'd been using as a landmark switched off the light on its tower. Would I recommend it? Well, only if you can put in a decent sprint effort to outrun a pack of wild dogs. If I were female I'd probably have felt much less safe, and it was uncomfortable running in such a heat with full running gear on (I was advised - warned - not to wear shorts), but it kept my fitness up, and kept me in a reasonably good mood. For psychological benefits alone, it was probably worthwhile.

Perhaps you can go out very early in the morning to avoid the attention of the locals, or if there's a pool, follow Martin's advice and swim instead. Maybe you could take an Aqua Jogger? Failing all that, take whatever opportunities you get to maintain your fitness (stair climbing?) and work on core stability, flexibility, etc in the comfort and safety of your room. Whatever fitness you lose (and despite what it feels like, it won't be that much) you can easily make up when you get back. Make the best of it, have fun, and enjoy your break!

I think this is a question for the photographers who do the RW front covers. How do they get those shiny happy models - whose idea of carbo-loading is four grapes for lunch - to look as if they are pleasantly cruising along on a wonderful, life-enhancing training run? I know this has come up before, but it would be nice if, just once, the front cover of RW had some bloke covered in mud and sweat, looking completely knackered and out of breath.

Anyway, at a rough guess, 8:40 pace.

Micropore tape, available from the first aid bit of your local chemist. Works for me, anyway.