into improving endurance performance has been based primarily around the theory that fatigue comes as a result of the body – the muscles, lungs and heart – telling your brain it has reached its limit. But what if it’s the other way around?Mind over muscle

into improving endurance performance has been based primarily around the theory that fatigue comes as a result of the body – the muscles, lungs and heart – telling your brain it has reached its limit. But what if it’s the other way around?Mind over muscle

by building more muscle fibres and boosting its aerobic engine. Push yourself to your limits twice or three times a week but ease off between hard sessions. Go back to basicsLike a golfer's swing or a runner's stride, a cyclist's pedal stroke, bike

is "I can't do this and I want to go home"?In truth, we all have moments when we doubt our ability and feel nervous about what lies ahead, but you can banish this doubt and anxiety by exercising and strengthening your, if you will, 'confidence muscle

will lead to bulky muscles. But if you keep the weight low and the reps high, or find the right circuits class, you'll build strong muscles without adding bulk. "Strength training increases resistance to injury and enhances performance," says Lane. "Research

will lead to bulky muscles. But if you keep the weight low and the reps high, or find the right circuits class, you'll build strong muscles without adding bulk. "Strength training increases resistance to injury and enhances performance," says Lane

. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that being positive helps runners battle back from injury more quickly.Variety packIt's a truism that variety is the spice of life. Cross-training will help you strengthen muscles other than those used in running. "Running

to stir up your routine. When you do the same run, day after day, you’re seldom challenged and your motivation is bound to sag. Think of it this way: if you eat a tuna and salad sandwich four days in a row, you’ll probably notice how delicious a different

first thing will be slow and put me at risk of injury. Start slowly and let the run come to you – walk first, gently jog and then speed up until you hit the right pace. Your muscles will have warmed up by the time you run full pelt, and you won

, and associating to actually focus on the feeling," says Lewis. To associate, start from the head and work down, assessing each area or group of muscles. "Keep your pace in line with the information you gain from your body monitoring, from heart rate to basic