need to build up slowly and gradually, and it might be best to remove speedwork from whatver marathon training schedule you use. No point risking overtraining or injury. I was doing 1x25 and 4x15 miles a week buiding up to a triple ironman recently

successful race day, says Velociraptor. "Don't worry about the training schedules at the moment. The most important thing is to build up your weekly mileage gradually over the next few months, so that when you do pick up the sub-4 schedule at the end

on occasions – surely the body does not "spot rest" (eg rest legs only) any more than it spot-reduces fat. Take one day off a week at least, and your whole body will benefit. – The Hoose-GoerYour schedule is varied enough to workCross-training helps because it

, or is it OK just to cut back the miles?"I have been running for three-and-a-half years, and the last year has been a bit confusing. In terms of racing it's been a success, but training has been difficult. Normally I train every day (70-80 miles a week

This week's question comes from a forum member whose event schedule is looking a bit crowded..."I'm doing the Edinburgh Marathon on 27 May. It's my first marathon, and the training is going OK, though I had two weeks off due to injury. I've got

This week's questioner had a baby in January. But, unlike her fellow new mum Paula Radcliffe, she doesn't have a coach as a hubby. How should she get back into running?"I used to run most mornings (approx 3 miles) and loved it. I gave up a year ago

?"It's time to face the cryptic 'cross-training' references on my marathon schedule. What should I do? There's so much choice! Whenever I run more than about 14 miles my upper body gets tired, so I know I need to develop my core strength, but what's the best

are: 1. Training approach (sensible schedules, nutrition, rest etc), 2. Realistic objectives, personal commitment, consistency, positive attitude, discipline etc, 3. Running style and technique, which anyone can learn. The importance of trained skills

. Every week I do one 15-mile hilly run, one 10-mile hilly run, one 40-min speed session, one 4-mile fast run and two 6-mile runs. I used to suffer from an eating disorder and have always been a size 8. Running is helping me with recovery mentally, but I

devils are sitting on your shoulder around about mile 20 in the marathon, you have had plenty of practice with their injury cousins in denying them any satisfaction. 3. Dream. The first three years coming back from not walking I spent a lot of time