Q I often read how elite athletes train twice a day, and its got me wondering whether double sessions can benefit us mere mortals. Is it a good idea?A Provided that you are not already doing additional cross-training, running twice a day can yield improved fitness and race res...
Q Ive completed a couple of 10Ks and half-marathons, but worry that I only seem to have one pace. I want to run faster so Ive tried adding tempo runs to my schedule. But when I make a conscious effort to speed up during a run, I soon find I have to slow down again. How can I s...
Q Ive never seen a convincing answer to the question can bike sessions replace running and still make you a better runner? For instance, will I be a better runner if I replace a six-mile fartlek with a 50-minute bike speed session, and an easy Saturday run with a three-hour e...
Q Ive picked up an injury thats likely to stop me running for at least a month, but as I desperately want to keep up my cardiovascular fitness levels, Ive decided to cycle to and from work a round trip of 25 miles. How can I best make use of my daily commute? Can I replace ...
Q I’m 22 years old, with PBs from 16:49 for 5K to 1:16 for the half-marathon. My running is going well, but I’d love to try my local triathlon in August. I already swim and circuit train – my only fear is that replacing some of my training with cycling will weaken me as a runner...
Q Im a 17-year-old middle-distance runner. Last year I started growing really fast and reached 6ft 6in. Now I regularly experience pains in my upper arms, hamstrings and thighs after harder runs. My GP says I should stretch more, while my coach thinks theyre growing pains. Wha...
Q My 10-year-old son has just been picked for his school running team and I have no idea how to help him train. Hes a very active, energetic boy and runs about a mile a week with the school. I realise that hes too young to undertake a training schedule as such, but are t...
Q After a year of running Ive managed to tone up my legs and bottom, but my stomach has not improved and remains potty. I find sit-ups very hard and therefore dont bother with them. Will toning up my abdominals actually improve my running, and what can I do to improve them?A...
Q Im a triathlete, and a few months ago I damaged my Achilles tendon while cycling. I tried to control the problem with rest, ice and elevation, but to no avail. It now regularly becomes inflamed and painful, and I have to have three to five days off. Ive fitted an orthosis in...
Q I keep reading that omega-3 fish oils are really healthy, but I’m vegetarian. How can I include them in my diet without resorting to a tin of sardines? A It’s true that omega-3s are very good for you. Along with helping to reduce blood triglyceride (fat) levels and heart attack...
