with the results: “I’m training to run a marathon and have been increasing my weekly mileage to about 40 miles with no leg pain,” she says. Case Study TwoRob Watts had been running for more than 12 years before an old back injury he’d sustained playing cricket as a

but thinner than muscle, tendons are immensely strong but suffer from a relatively poor blood supply, which can delay or prevent healing if they are damaged.Common damage:Injuries to ligaments and tendons tend to behave in much the same way as muscle injuries

would find it hard to credit anything other than our thighs. And for good reason. The muscles that make up our upper legs drive our running – whether we’re sprinting for 100 yards or battling our way through 26.2 miles. Run enough hills and you

© Getty ImagesPut simply, good core stability is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries and improve running efficiency. The groups of muscles that make up your core section provide essential support so strengthening your core should form

: "Massage can identify areas of tightness you weren't aware of, nipping potential problems in the bud and preventing injury." Which, all in all, isn't too bad for a 30-minute lie down.Is massage more useful at particular times?Book in if you up your training

, it probably would have helped prevent a multitude of injuries.Paul Magner Years Running 35 Variety is the spice of lifeIt’s easy to get stuck in a rut, and become a habitual runner. You can find yourself following the same routine week

the rigorous injury-prevention regime and last minute pre-race strategy that secured him the coveted gold medal. What has been your typical training week in the build-up to the World Championships?My typical training week follows the pattern of track, weights

prolong the agony.Recovery timeTreat it appropriately and four weeks should see full recovery, although this may be hastened and recurrence prevented if doctor, coach and athlete can work together to eliminate the causes. After recovery, changes

and sometimes infected. Symptoms You cannot fail to notice a swelling which develops behind the knee and probably prevents full bending and straightening. The pressure causes aching and tenderness, worse after training, and sometimes the area feels hot

an unaccustomed muscle activity. Typically, it occurs in the gluteals, quadriceps and shin muscles, especially after running downhill or sprinting. It’s always advisable to cool down with slow running and stretch after exercise, but this won’t necessarily prevent