Hard Training Q&AsTRAINING GENERAL• Do I need to take an "easy week" when my average mileage isn’t that high? • Should you try and break through ‘the wall’ in training? • Is it just the cold weather, or am I getting fitter? • How do I overcome

Q Last year I achieved my marathon PB of 2:53, and immediately started wondering what I should do next. I have run several marathons, but rarely more than two in a season. I’d like to do a few shorter runs, but with all the training I’m doing it seems a waste not to concentrate ...

Running is a wonderfully simple sport. You're in charge, and you can run where you want, when you want. Best of all, if you follow these principles, you can make it last a lifetime1. Walk before you run Few people are able to run a mile the on their first day of running, so don’...

This week, one reader wants to know why some runners like to put their back(pack)s into it..."Is it silly to train with a weighted rucksack strapped to your back? Surely it's safer to have a weight strapped around the stomach (less pressure on the back)? Why don't runners who fee...

This week, one reader emailed us with a very practical problem. Just how do you work out how far you've run?"What is the easiest and most effective way to measure the distances you're running? I've tried pedometers, bike computers and route-finder websites, but don't feel they ha...

A very practical problem this week: specs, running and rain don't mix. How do you get around the problem?"I'm short-sighted enough to not be able to get around without wearing my glasses, let alone run without them. I'd rather not spend a fortune on contact lenses. How do other r...

You're in pretty good shape and do plenty of strength work at the gym, but you get puffed out climbing the stairs. Will running help you ramp up your stamina? What the best way to go about it?"Can anyone give me some tips for building stamina? I'm a total beginner. I'm looking to...

... and she's not. I guess there may be a point beyond which these things can't be unlearned. – kittenkatNo injury? No problemYour coach should know better, unless he or she has spotted a specific problem causing an injury. In general there's nothing wrong

can make to your physical and mental fitness. After six months I ramped up the running. I had no weight gain this time and was generally a lot happier. – Andrew RIt is all about compromise. Mr Tweety is not a runner, but he tells me to go out for a run

generally get my athletes to run at least a mile before doing dynamic stretches, then running drills before each training session. For recovery runs you don't really need to do this, as the first part of the run should be nice and steady, but for harder