Q Is there any way I can use cycling to help with my running? Can it replace speedwork, for instance? I already cycle a hilly eight miles to work every day. I’m currently training for a half-marathon, and I run three times a week.A Cycling makes excellent cross-training for run...

Q Each week I do two, one-hour gym sessions where I lift weights and then run around 5K on the treadmill. How can I make the best use of my time on the treadmill? A Assuming that you are well warmed-up from your gym work; you should try to get the maximum value from your treadm...

Q I’ve heard that running can improve asthma, but I suffer from exercise-induced asthma, especially after pushing myself. Will it improve with regular training? A Asthma is a tightening of the small breathing tubes in the lungs. The tubes are surrounded by muscle fibres to regula...

Q I was disappointed to get cramp at the 15-mile mark during a recent marathon. In the 48 hours before the race, I consumed plenty of carbohydrates and drank approximately four to five litres of water. During the race I drank plenty of water and carbohydrate drink at each of the...

Q I’m fortunate enough to spend a lot of my time working, and therefore running, in hot and humid countries. Recently though I’ve noticed that I appear to be losing excessive amounts of salt (evidenced by stains on kit/trainers). I usually take an isotonic drink immediately afte...

Q This may sound silly, but I have real problems drinking during races. Usually I grab a cup, spill most of the contents as I’m picking it up, get one tiny slurp of water and then spill the rest down the front of my vest. Any tips to help me overcome my drinking problem?A Here ar...

Q After a run, I get an intense hangover-type headache that can continue for two to three days, even though I take the usual pills. I don’t drink alcohol or coffee, I drink isotonic drinks when I’m training and racing, and water the rest of the time, but could the headaches stil...

Q After my long runs, I stretch and then hop straight into the shower. But when I get out of the water I sometimes suffer a fever-like ‘chill’. I have to get under the duvet for 15-20 minutes before I’m back to normal. What’s going on?A When you exercise for extended periods of...

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?A The best defence against colds and...

Q I gave birth nine weeks ago, and before this I was running up to eight miles every day. I went for my first run the other day and felt dreadful. I want to run a 10K in a couple of months, before tackling a half-marathon in the autumn. I’m worried, though, that I won’t get ...