GETTY IMAGES At the start of a brand spanking new year, and in the terrifying knowledge that Brits put on an average of 5lbs (2kg) over the Christmas period (according to the British Dietetic Association), we've come up with these inspirational

’s most important is being alert to any aches, pains or fatigue. A good rule of thumb is to take one easy day for each mile of a race or hard training session. Another useful measure is to check your pulse as soon as you get up. If it’s 20 per cent higher

short stretching routine before you crack on with your main training session. Taking time to stretch (gently) at this point will help prevent injury. Start by stretching to 50-60 per cent of your range of movement for 10-15 seconds, and increase