running at higher speeds. If this is the case, you can get symptoms similar to yours from the extra pressure on the nerves, which stronger muscles would normally protect.The answer in these cases is to perform stretches for the nerves. Try this stretch

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

Plyometrics n. A type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving athletic performance. Or, if you like, the more explosively you can move

you how to set realistic goals and manage race day nerves, while dietitian Ruth McKean covers your carb loading bases.Don’t forget to visit runnersworld.co.uk/asicstarget262 to follow the five runners and steal their tips, right up until race day

solid to work towards. Then join either a running-specific rehab group or a yoga class and track your progress. "Note every time you hold a stretch a little longer, jog a little faster or manage a few more sessions a week," says Thompson. "Nothing

You've heard the usual recommendations for so long that you accept them as gospel. And most of the advice is solid. Who can argue with putting in mileage, peaking for races and stretching after a run? But just because many coaches, sports

retch during races?How should I prepare for my first 5K?Why is the last mile of a 5K always so hard? I don't think I set off too fast. -->Are some people simply better suited to ‘short’ distances?How can I calm my pre-race nerves?How can I overcome

in the tank for the final stretch. "When you go out too hard or you do minimal running at race pace before the event, it’s pretty much impossible to finish strong," says Jason Koop, an elite-level coach. "For races up to and including the 10K, you need

) encourage training adaptations in nerve cells, blood cells and muscle cells that result in improvement, speedier training encourages faster and greater improvements. And there’s even better news: unlike flat-out speedwork sessions, the 4x4 won’t leave you

many friendly faces in that final stretch. Tower Bridge was awesome. The section just before had been rather quiet and rather embarrassingly, when I caught sight of the bridge, I heard myself shout “Tower Bridge, let’s go!”  The man next to me gave me