Q My road race performances have remained at a similar standard during the past couple of years, and I feel that Im training pretty aimlessly. How can I change my training programme to get a good result this year?A I recommend you focus on one key race, and based on that, orga...
Q Im a new runner and Im very cautious about my diet. Is there a maximum amount of protein my body can absorb? I eat most of my daily protein (two cans of tuna) at dinner.A Your body has no problem absorbing virtually all the protein you eat in a meal, whether its 50g or 550g...
Q I have a problem that seems to affect me after finishing half-marathons: I feel queasy and dont want to eat or drink. The feeling seems to pass if I lie down for an hour or so. As advised, I always try to take on water at each drinks station. Do your have any idea why this ha...
Q On a recent visit to a podiatrist I was given a stretching programme in which I was told to hold each stretch for up to 15 minutes. I was surprised by the length of these stretches, as Ive always been told that you should do stretches in three sets of 30 seconds. The podiatri...
Q Is there any way I can use cycling to help with my running? Can it replace speedwork, for instance? I already cycle a hilly eight miles to work every day. Im currently training for a half-marathon, and I run three times a week.A Cycling makes excellent cross-training for run...
Q. When I’m running I sometimes find it difficult to develop a smooth breathing pattern. Is there a proper way to breathe while running and are there exercises I can do to improve my breathing?A. When you begin exercising you will initially breathe more deeply. After a couple of ...
Q I was disappointed to get cramp at the 15-mile mark during a recent marathon. In the 48 hours before the race, I consumed plenty of carbohydrates and drank approximately four to five litres of water. During the race I drank plenty of water and carbohydrate drink at each of the...
Q This may sound silly, but I have real problems drinking during races. Usually I grab a cup, spill most of the contents as Im picking it up, get one tiny slurp of water and then spill the rest down the front of my vest. Any tips to help me overcome my drinking problem?A Here ar...
Q Every winter, my training and racing is interrupted by bouts of colds and flu. What can I do to prevent illness in the first place and, other than the medicines available from the chemist, is there anything that will help me recover quickly?A The best defence against colds and...
Q I gave birth nine weeks ago, and before this I was running up to eight miles every day. I went for my first run the other day and felt dreadful. I want to run a 10K in a couple of months, before tackling a half-marathon in the autumn. Im worried, though, that I wont get ...
