programme isn't necessary. Just listen to your body, run, rest and eat and drink well. If, however, achieving a set distance or time are your main goals, then you really do need to follow some form of programme. Depending on your current level of fitness

can find a place to pee anywhere, any time.3. You’ve had the same unopened packet of frozen peas in your freezer for the last two years.4. Your running shoes are the first thing you pack for your summer holiday. 5. When walking in a crowd, you make a

Never underestimate the power of a good walk – and not just as a mid-run break. ‘Going for a “pure walk” – no running at all – allows your body to make small adaptations that strengthen your feet, knees and hips,’ explains coach Jeff Galloway. Long

due to an injury, and she had to decide whether to continue running or to stay with me. She continued, and although she missed qualifying, that event changed us both. Now it was my turn to choose. And for the first time, I understood what she had

off injury and time on the bench, exercise first-timers looking to shed excess pounds once and for all – more and more people are succumbing to the tri fever currently sweeping the nation.Going For GoalsThe UK tri season runs from April to October

that triathlon revolutionised her running. "I knew I could run faster and stronger but every time I concentrated on training for a marathon, I became injured," she says. "Triathlon training helped me to become a stronger runner and train injury-free." After

responded to a request placed by us on the forums earlier this year. We wanted beginner runners who were willing to take on a massive challenge – to get from virtually nothing to 26.2 miles in time for the 2004 Flora London Marathon.Over the coming months

to say the cold weather is doing wonders for my speed work... the faster I run the quicker I get back home to a hot shower! – Christmas time callycat and wineDon’t mind the cold as long as you have a base layer top and leggings, hate cold AND rain

"I'm out of shape, overweight and I've never run before."Just like the millions of couch-potatoes-turned-runners before you. "Beginners all say, 'This seems crazy. Can I do it?'" says Bob Glover, co-author of The Runner's Handbook (£9.99, Penguin

experience. See full threadStitchDangly Spice - Usually with beginners it is caused by eating too close to running, or gulping down too much water at a time instead of sipping little mouthfuls when running. See full threadBack painWildWill - Actively think