has been studying questions like this for more than 20 years, in between running 58 marathons (with a 2:37 PB) and ultra-marathons. He is also a doctor of public health and a professor of exercise science at Appalachian State University in the USA. I

You put a lot of effort into your training, nutrition and race-day goals - don't sabotage it by neglecting your toenails. "Most toenail problems are easily avoided," says podiatrist Trevor Prior (premierpodiatry.com). "It's better to spend a little

GETTY IMAGES Better sleep. That's all that could be standing between you and a new PB. Too good to be true? Not according to Mara Yamauchi, who set a new marathon PB (2:25:03) at the International Women's Marathon in Tokyo in November. "Sleep is one

be packaged into a pill,” says ageing specialist Dr Robert Butler, “it would be the single most prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.”Still, even runners can become side-tracked by bad habits such as poor nutrition, high stress and inadequate sleep

adapting to a regular (or increasing) training load. Long runs, hard sessions and races also leave your immune system dramatically lowered, so knowing what to eat, drink and do immediately after exercise is vital for staying fit and healthy too.Keep Moving

through a scarf in cold weather....get crampWhat's going on? Although experts don't have a definitive explanation for the cause, a number of factors have been identified that are possible contributors including over-exertion, dehydration and poor nutrition

on Mondays or any day after a holiday. Her advice is to make a weekend schedule, and stick with it. For help, line up a training partner.11. Stay involvedIt seems counter-intuitive, but keeping busy can keep you healthy. Having projects to do gives your day

on whatever you want on the weekend, you cancel out five days of healthy eating,” says Felicia Stoler, nutrition coordinator for the New York City Marathon. When it comes to shedding pounds, consistency is key. “Aim to consume a similar number of calories

Grounds for coffee consumptionAs frequently happens with nutrition news, the pendulum then swung back in caffeine's favour. An April 2006 Journal of Sports Science study found caffeine had a positive impact on the performance of male distance runners. A group

(just 9lbs)."This study proves that calories are the most important factor for weight loss," says Tara Gidus, a sports dietitian (dietdiva.com) and marathoner. "To lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn - regardless of what