Sub-zero temperatures aren't very inviting, but at least running quickly gets the blood flowing and the body temperature cooking. In theory, anyway. One RW reader revealed on the forum that her legs never warm up when she's running in the cold

"How soon should I run after I've had a cold? I've always been sporty, but I've only been running seriously for a few months. In the past when I've had colds and coughs, I've often gone back to sport as soon as I've been able to breathe properly

"I do a lot of running on dirt trails, so my shoes get very muddy. I tend to wash them every three months or so in the machine with minimal detergent on a gentle cold cycle, plus an 800rpm spin. So far they seem OK, but is there any risk of damage

, and partly for general health reasons. But I feel sluggish and my work is suffering. Is there really a point to this caffeine-free lark?" – Jane Hoskyn aka e17 pixieYour best answersResensitising really works, so brave it outI abstain from caffeine now

. – Snuffles(Click here to read Snuffles' full reply)A hard habit to breakAfter almost 20 years of running, I still make the same mistakes of overtraining, coming down with colds, then trying to push harder to make up for lost time. I am currently training 6

it or they wouldn't keep coming back. – slugRunning helps me control my asthmaIt's great that your son has shown this interest and has been encouraged by his school. I am asthmatic and have found running to be of great benefit. Very cold/windy weather bothers my

I train at the same times as you, and used to have the same problem after harder runs. The cause was muscle inflammation, quickly cured by some ibuprofen. Although these days I tend to opt for a cold beer before bedtime, which seems to do the trick

lose fitness a hell of a lot quicker than you gain it. So I remember all the times I've been out in the cold/wet/dark, or really pushed myself, and know all that effort will have been wasted if I don't get myself out the door this time. (Humph3)I run so

'm starting again after a cold or injury. I've found it useful to cut down on liquid for an hour before my run, then taking water with me and having sips every 10 mins. Someone told me to put my arm up above my head on the opposite side to the stitch

. Stretching my muscles cold is like trying to stretch wood, and I know which end is likely to snap first. I find half marathons and above a real struggle to get round, so I spend my time beforehand doing pilates or tai chi. A quick check on upper body