Q I have an identity crisis. As a keen runner for the last 20 years, I have recently retired, but now I just cannot find the motivation to train properly. I climb into my car rather than my running gear. When I do go out for a run, any uphill stretches are just an excuse to walk...

Q I’ve been invited to a party on a Friday night. The problem is that I’ve already entered a 10-miler on the following Sunday, and it’s one I’ve trained hard for so that I can get a personal best. Can I drink alcohol on Friday and still run well on Sunday?A It’s a dilemma that ...

Q I have always understood that it is better to eat little and often. However, I recently read an article about something called syndrome X, which said that we should eat less often, leaving four to five hours between meals and cutting out the snacks, because our livers have evo...

Q A few years ago, I was diagnosed with anaemia. Eventually I was able to correct it, but now I’m feeling anaemic again. I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m sure I need more iron. Can you recommend a diet that will give me enough?A It can be a challenge for female runners to get thei...

Q Since becoming a runner, I’ve become very conscious of my diet. I am, however, confused over one fairly fundamental issue – the recommendation that we should consume a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. I eat at least five to six bits of fruit a day, bu...

Q I know that healthy eating is nearly as important as training for runners. But are there any particular vitamins I need more of when I’m training, and should I be taking them in supplement form?A Any regular exercise of a moderate to high intensity can increase the requiremen...

Q I’ve been running for just over a year and have recently started entering races. The thing is that as soon as I stand on the start line, I’m always overcome with nerves. I feel queasy and my legs shake, and I’m sure this is affecting my race performances. Is there anything I c...

Q I’ve been running for a couple of years and I’m now quite used to doing 10Ks (my PB is 48 minutes). I’m seriously considering trying a half-marathon, but I don’t know what time to aim for and I’m wondering whether I should do an intermediate distance first.A The basic trainin...

Q Last year I achieved my marathon PB of 2:53, and immediately started wondering what I should do next. I have run several marathons, but rarely more than two in a season. I’d like to do a few shorter runs, but with all the training I’m doing it seems a waste not to concentrate ...

Q I’m very busy with work and family, and don’t have much time to run. So I’m looking for one great weekly training session each week to get me in top running shape. Any ideas?A Even though I work at RUNNER’S WORLD, I’m in the same boat as you: lots of responsibilities and not ...