I like to think I'm a well brought-up triathlete. I wave at other runners and swim in the correct direction during lane swims. I draw the line at loaning other competitors my bike, for obvious reasons, but you take my point. I think I'm well behaved

Runners usually talk about muscles in terms of quads, glutes and hamstrings. Exercise physiologists, on the other hand, talk about muscles in terms of fast-twitch and slow-twitch fibres - which is one of the reasons why physiologists aren't invited

sessions every two to four weeks. Generally, these workouts are done at 3,000m pace (eight to 12 seconds per mile faster than 5K race pace). The pace is fast, so don't make these your first repeats of the season. Classic Six to eight lots of three minutes

has re-established its world-class credentials with a supremely fast course, excellent race management and a concern for the ordinary runner that other events would do well to mirror. The international running community has yet to really discover its

’s flat, fast and run along quiet country lanes, so expect traffic to be at a minimum. The route itself incorporates two and a bit laps through the back of the local University buildings, including the old libraries. The race is part of the Nike A1 Series

Sunday. Do what feels right.Saturday: 30-minute run followed by 4 x 100m strides After running easy for 30 minutes, do four 100m strides at your projected 5K race pace to simulate a strong finishing kick. The speed will wake up your fast-twitch muscle

for the final hurdle: A long, energy-sapping drag up to the railway station and Ruislip driving range. Luckily for you, what goes up must come down, and the drop through Sharp’s Lane takes you to within sprinting distance of the finish. What you said in 2003

will be replenished. Then hone that work by reducing total volume to boost muscle glycogen levels and immune function. But keep the intensity high in a few key sessions to recruit fast-twitch muscle fibres and to stay sharp physically and mentally. With this mix, you

will become proficient at running long, slow miles. My ultramarathoner friends often go on four- and five-hour slow runs, which prepare them for 50-mile-plus races but do little for their ability to smoke a fast 5K.Rule #5 Let your body adapt to increased

marathon warm-up. Trailing the rural lanes of Kent to traverse a number of hamlets between Deal and Dover, the course boasts a fast opening stretch, swiftly followed by some challenging hills including a half-mile long ascent from Sutton. Despite being set