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. I’d like to do some speedwork,...

Standfirst: From nought to one hour in 8 weeksAuthor:Issue date:Keywords:--This schedule accelerates faster than the most basic one, so it’s best for new runners who have some existing fitness - from another sport, perhaps. Still, a gentle start is crucial, so be patient in the f...

Ease into faster running with these introductory sessions:1. Easy fartlekFartlek, or speed play, is variable-paced running that emphasises creativity. During a 30-minute run, choose objects to run to – lamp-posts, trees, buildings, other runners, whatever. Make choices that mark...

Sports psychologists often divide objectives into three different types:Technical process goals relate to the technique of your sport (for example running a negative split, or mastering forefoot striking).Outcome goals reflect your overall placing in a specific event (such as win...

This section is adapted from the book, Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week: From Beginner to Finish Line in Just Six Weeks, by Eric Harr1. Choose your starting position wisely. If the triathlon you've entered has a mass start (meaning all

six sets. This is plenty for a beginner. You should also consider increasing one run a week to more than 30 minutes. A good goal would be to build up one weekly run to at least 60 minutes.At some point, you may also want to add threshold training runs

Train smarterWhen the weather turns cold, wet and icy, training suddenly seems a lot less enjoyable, so you can grit your teeth and face whatever nature throws at you, or grind out the miles on the treadmill and the turbo trainer. Or you could be smart and do both.Elite triathlet...

This extract is from The Runner's World Complete Book of Running by RW USA Editor Amby Burfoot. You can now preview it, free, for two weeks without risk or obligation. All running programmes for beginners are the same: they move you from walking

– threshold pace – is very demanding, and isn’t for beginners. Your body can’t work this close to its maximum every time you ask it to: there may be limiting factors such as dehydration, or not having recovered properly from your previous training sessions

Summer's almost here - so get off that treadmill and head for the great outdoors. "There is nothing better than fresh air, and the new sights and sounds you get from running outside," says running coach Liz Fulford (fitnesstrainingspecialists.co.uk)."You will also become a strong...