Q Every winter, my training and racing is interrupted by bouts of colds and flu. What can I do to prevent illness in the first place and, other than the medicines available from the chemist, is there anything that will help me recover quickly

Well this week was almost a complete write-off. After catching a debilitating strain of man flu, I've been bed-ridden and missed work for three days straight. I diligently followed the 'neck rule'; any ailment that affects you below the neck (chesty

Getty ImagesBelieve it or not, people who exercise frequently or for prolonged periods are more likely to pick up infections and catch colds than sedentary people.This is even more likely in autumn and winter – the traditional season for a triathlete to increase the volume of h...

severe enough to affect your running in the last week, bite the bullet and hold your marathon entry over to next year.You get ill If you have flu or any illness other than a light head cold, you should defer your entry until next year. The same goes

exercised but have been injured or are regressing in your running, or you often suffer from colds or flu or have allergies, subtract 5.If you have been exercising for up to two years with no real problems and have not had colds or flu more than once or twice

colds during the two-month pre-race period. (These months, January and February, are the peak cold/flu season in the USA.) Training more than 60 miles a week doubled the risk of infection. Also, in the week following the race, 13 per cent of marathon

avoid the buttered and toffee-coated varieties. Kiwi fruit The bright-green flesh of one kiwi fruit provides more vitamin C than the average adult needs in a day, helping to fight off infections, colds and flu. Kiwi fruit contain some potassium, too

.ColdsThe stress of running a marathon can depress your immune system, leaving you susceptible to colds, flu and other upper respiratory tract infections in the days immediately following the race. Self-care is the best way to reduce your risk of contracting a

literally ‘run-down’ immune defences and possibly prevent a cold or flu, load up on vitamin C. Kiwis, orange juice, red peppers, broccoli and strawberries are the most potent food sources. Stock up on lysine, an amino acid found mostly in meat and fish

trying again! Also, I generally wear extra layers of clothing when I've been feeling rough. I was told it's important to keep warm after a cold – can't remember why, though! – Simon RichardsRunning with flu can kill. There were several deaths a while back