If you want to become a better runner, there’s no real training substitute for running. Other sports just don’t cut the mustard when it comes to preparing your body for race day, right?Right. But in terms of boosting your fitness, balancing muscle

warming up and a lot of them seem to contradict each other on the best methods of warming up and down. Can anyone help me here?" – john burthe 2Your best answersMuscles are like elastic bandsGenerally it's best to mobilise the joints to warm up so

Eating the right combination of carbohydrates and protein can help you become a stronger and faster runner, and help your muscles recover quicker from each exercise session. What will suit you best depends very much on your level of training, your

, do so with caution. It’s best to avoid undertaking any activity that could leave your muscles feeling sore or vulnerable to injury. NutritionEat well Now is not the time to count calories – your body needs energy to repair muscle tissue damaged during

very scientific about it, I just ran hard a couple of times a week and made sure that I was carrying as little weight as possible (very important, I tend to think - though obviously there is a point at which one begins to lose muscle). I think I managed

I'd train gently, seven take a break, and eight upwards see a physio, doctor or whoever is appropriate. Another thing I bear in mind is what type of pain it is. For a stitch, bloomin’ well ignore it as best you can; for a muscle pull or ache, work

Training on hills will make you a stronger, faster and healthier runner, improving your leg-muscle strength, boosting your cardiovascular system, and protecting your leg muscles against soreness. Knowing these benefits won't make tackling them any

basis, week-in week-out, then you’re not going to do well. So be committed to your running – don’t stay in because it’s raining."Exercise your core"Strengthening your core muscles helps avoid injury. When I get back from a run, I’ll do either upper

and all that entails - muscle cramp, disorientation... – 99%ChimpUnderstand what your body needsYou need to know how fast you lose fluid, which will vary according to conditions. Weigh yourself (naked) before a run, then straight after - the loss of weight

Better to be overcautious than overdo itAfter only six months of running and while you're still including walk-breaks in your runs, your priority should be to build up your mileage gradually while maintaining an easy aerobic pace. When you start to run, your muscles