says that very long runs overload and fatigue the nervous system. "Muscles get over-stimulated, so cramps are common after marathons," says physiotherapist Alex Floyd, of BUPA's Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence. Cut it out: Build long runs
. Rub in cuticle oil – it’s rich in moisturising jojoba and vitamin E.This article is featured in our May 2010 issue, available on the newsstand now. Also in this issue (our London Marathon special): secrets to a stronger finish, easy ways to fix your
.com). Scientists monitored people's sleeping habits for two weeks, then exposed them to a cold virus. Those who clocked less than seven hours were three times more likely to get sick than those who slept for at least eight hours. Drink on the runThat healthy boost
Guy Meadows of the London Sleep School (thesleepschool.org). The sleep-disorder specialist and ultra marathoner has worked extensively with distance runners. “They often end up absolutely physically exhausted, but mentally wide awake,” he explains
at Pikes, I’d entered on a whim, overconfident and undertrained, and I’d lumbered to the finish line, 13.3 miles and 7,815 feet above the start, thoroughly spanked. The next year, I'd come prepared to expect a finish time akin to a road marathon. I'd upped
and Great Britain bobsleigher, Keith is also an adviser to the Lucozade Sport Performance League and has been imparting his wisdom to our Flora London Marathon contenders - the Lucozade Sport Super Six.We caught up with Keith to find out how to dodge common
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
is to stay away from like-minded people that haven't recovered. Don't feel guilty about this. Running requires you to be fit and healthy, and it will inspire you beyond belief. I am training for a marathon, and have not weighed myself during training – and I
. It's pretty cheap and stays on for days after. I've just run my first marathon, and it worked a treat. See full threadShoulder painUnclench your fistsWildWill- I find that shoulder pain is normally caused through being too tense - the trick is to try
musculoskeletal pain" than the controls.Dr Bonnie Bruce, the principal investigator, is a doctor of public health as well as a registered dietitian and a marathon runner. I called her to find out why she chose to measure a subjective feeling such as pain rather
