This week's problem is one that many runners will recognise: How do you cope with being a "beginner" again after injury?"I used to be a half-decent runner. I've run seven marathons with a PB of 3:36, and loads of half marathons and 10Ks

."It's hard to be motivated about something that's too far away to get excited about or too big to believe in," explains cognitive hypnotherapist Trevor Silvester (questinstitute.co.uk), also a keen sportsman.Set smaller goals, and you'll feel proud

week-on-week improvements, perfect for keeping you motivated in the long-term.Those returning to running after illness, injury or childbirth also need to take things slowly at first – though you might not consider yourself a novice your body will take a

If you don't have a big race in your sights, it can be hard to stay focused. Challenge yourself, or join others with weekly, monthly or annual mileage targets. By setting yourself a mileage challenge you can combine the motivation of having a target

What are your running fears? Injury? Hitting the wall? When the anxiety monster rears its ugly head, here's how to beat it - or even make it work for you.Beat your racing fears.Beat your training fears. Beat your health fears.

Runner's World - May 2013 issueBe prepared for every step of your marathon and full proof your body against injury. All this and more in our May 2013 issue!Subscribe online now and you'll also receive full access to all our premium content, and our

into the same patterns year in, year out; running the same races, chipping away at the same PBs and getting frustrated by recurring injuries. That’s why we think 2012 should be the year to break the cycle.We’ve assembled a team of running heavyweights full

. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that being positive helps runners battle back from injury more quickly.Variety packIt's a truism that variety is the spice of life. Cross-training will help you strengthen muscles other than those used in running. "Running

, injury. Be assured, you are not alone.World-class triathlete Richard Stannard (10 times the fastest swimmer in the London Triathlon) was gearing up for a great 2009 season when, at the end of May, he was hit by a car while training on his bike

will lead to bulky muscles. But if you keep the weight low and the reps high, or find the right circuits class, you'll build strong muscles without adding bulk. "Strength training increases resistance to injury and enhances performance," says Lane. "Research