blow when she was diagnosed with arthritis. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise - she was encouraged to take up light exercise to alleviate the symptoms. "My doctor told me I couldn’t run but I was really insistent that I wanted to," she says

-group at the European Triathlon Championships.This spring, he joins us as part of the ASICS Target 26.2 PRO Team, working with our five spring marathon contenders as they prepared for the Paris Marathon on April 15.Read the whole forum debate and catch up with more

Whether you’re lacing up your trainers for the first time since school, or are about to tackle your umpteenth ultra, chances are you’ll have questions about running. Are you doing things right? How you can improve? Is what your mate said

On your marksOn race day, the gods blessed us. Little wind, no humidity, flat sea, hot but not scorching.I’d let my tyres down the day before because I didn't want them blowing in the heat while the bike was racked. So body marking and getting my tires

and excitement can make swimmers go off too fast," says Furniss, "but they often end up blowing up. And that's before the bike or the run. Learn to pace yourself well and you'll have a much more successful race." Don't go out too fast in the swim section of a

, where I met a fellow Runner's World forumite. It was so nice to see a friendly race and get encouragement! I picked up my number - everything suddenly seemed very real and I became really excited! I wish i could have spent more time there but I

eating guidelines and you’ll soon see excess weight melt away. Get clued up on what to eat and why by getting to know the basic principles of nutrition. Food Groups: The BasicsJust right for runners: the foods groups you need, and how much you need

this without blowing up four to six miles down the road? Back Seat BoyA. Gradually increase your pace and monitor how you feel. Ask yourself whether it is a discomfort you can handle. If you have fuelled up well you should have the energy to finish strongly

Desert Race: Marathon des SablesThe 700 runners who wake up one March morning in Southern Morocco for the Marathon des Sables (MdS) are faced with vast expanses of wind-swept flatland, strength-sapping sand dunes and the prospect of six days spent

. "If you look around any pool, you can spot people who are nervous and uptight when they're swimming: they will be grimacing," says Kelly. The result is that the muscles in the face, neck and shoulders tense up and stroke efficiency plummets