Q I’ve been running for just over a year now and can now comfortably train at around 10 minute/mile pace for an hour, which I do three times a week. However, I’ve been doing this for at least six months and don’t seem to be able to get any quicker

, bustling and a fab first race for beginners. Join entrants from Manchester and all over the north-west in a sea of runners on a flat road route around Manchester’s vibrant city centre. If you’re used to training to music, the entertainment along the route

National HighlightsChasing the Grand Prix, May 8 Silverstone 10K (Northamptonshire, May 8) Has your schedule hit skid row? Is your training more turgid than turbo-charged? Why not rev up your running by registering for the Silverstone 10K on May 8

To succeed in any sport, you’ve got to follow the basic principles. Golf: keep your head down. Tennis: remember to follow through. Running: train, don’t strain.Wander too far from the basics and your performance suffers. It’s as inevitable as a

at an Ironman after as little as nine months hard training. Just look to our resident tri team, the Pirate Ship of Fools, for proof. Scrimp, Save or Splurge?Hang on a minute, won’t you need to remortgage to fund this new pursuit? Actually, no. Set yourself a

These schedules run for 10 weeks and cover three broad bands of runners. Band one: Sub-1:25This band covers serious athletes. The schedule will take you up to over 50 miles a week, which is about as much training as is compatible with a lifestyle

Q I’m an overweight beginner who can now run three to four miles every other day at a steady 10 minute/mile pace. But a few years ago I suffered fallen arches, which caused quite considerable pain. My GP recommended arch supports, which I stopped

distance first.A The basic training for a half-marathon is the same as for a 10K, because performance is directly related to oxygen intake – your basic running speed. However, there’s obviously an extra endurance factor, which has to be taken into account

swimming stage followed by a biking stage with no run.AquathlonA swimming stage followed by a run stage with no cycling stage.ATPAnnual Training Plan.BBonking Sudden fatigue and energy loss caused by running out of glycogen in the muscles. (See also Wall

-run days is an efficient way of burning fat and increasing blood flow to aid recovery. On cross-training days, walk for 30-60 minutes continuously or do five- to 10-minute segments throughout the day. Keep the pace quick, but not so demanding you’d struggle