with plenty of punchYour diet should enable you to train hard, recover rapidly and reach your potential as a runner. Here's what you need to know about the basic building blocks - carbs, protein and fat - and how to combine them to create a healthy, balanced

-minute runs melt a pound of fat each month. "Complex carbs are vital for energy and recovery," says Ingleby.  "Have a carb-rich snack like a banana immediately after running, to refuel glycogen stores."  In practice: Think of your plate as a clock face

maximum heart rate. Now use this figure to calculate your three basic training zones:Low Intensity 60-70% of maxThis zone encompasses recovery and steady runs and should feel fairly easy. It encourages fat burning and a strong cardiovascular system. New

to exert yourself on non-running days, some form of exercise will energise your mind, improve your attitude and burn fat. Choose an activity that doesn't fatigue the calf muscles, such as swimming or walking.How to vary your weekYou can keep the same

-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

. How to... Lose a stoneLosing weight is a simple process, if difficult to adhere to. The fat stored around your body is energy waiting to be used, but your body will not turn to it unless you can create a calorie deficit. That occurs when the energy

, I immediately went out and bought racing flats. Shoe spinach! I wouldn’t have to train better or harder, I’d just lace up the shoes and voilà – I’d beat all the Bluto runners.When I read that a certain chemical would reduce body fat, I bought

"I'm out of shape, overweight and I've never run before."Just like the millions of couch-potatoes-turned-runners before you. "Beginners all say, 'This seems crazy. Can I do it?'" says Bob Glover, co-author of The Runner's Handbook (£9.99, Penguin

on. See full threadCommon beginner injuries and health tipsBlistersMarathong - The night before a long run, I put petroleum jelly all over my feet, put socks on and go to bed. The petroleum jelly softens the skin while you sleep. On the day

enough sport. There's only one thing that's bothering you: if running's so simple, why do you have so many questions? You're not alone.Every beginner worries about how to get started and has a lot to ask - about how to get motivated, what to eat, how