Q I suffer from what I believe is called Mortons toe, where my second toes are longer than my big toes. This causes great pain during and after running. A pair of shoes half a size larger than normal sounded like a good idea, but it has failed to cure the problem I still ge...
Q My quadriceps always cramp up when I run marathons, even though I hydrate well and stretch regularly. Why is this, and what should I do?A Exercise-induced muscle cramps are relatively common among distance runners. Quadricep cramps typically occur when muscles are used repeti...
Q This autumn Im attempting my first marathon. My goal is simply to finish, although it would be nice to run it in about five hours. Whats the best strategy for this type of goal?A First things first. Your goal simply to finish and to run it in five hours are two diff...
Q I have an identity crisis. As a keen runner for the last 20 years, I have recently retired, but now I just cannot find the motivation to train properly. I climb into my car rather than my running gear. When I do go out for a run, any uphill stretches are just an excuse to walk...
Q A few years ago, I was diagnosed with anaemia. Eventually I was able to correct it, but now Im feeling anaemic again. Im not a vegetarian, but Im sure I need more iron. Can you recommend a diet that will give me enough?A It can be a challenge for female runners to get thei...
Q Since becoming a runner, Ive become very conscious of my diet. I am, however, confused over one fairly fundamental issue the recommendation that we should consume a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. I eat at least five to six bits of fruit a day, bu...
Q I know that healthy eating is nearly as important as training for runners. But are there any particular vitamins I need more of when Im training, and should I be taking them in supplement form?A Any regular exercise of a moderate to high intensity can increase the requiremen...
Q Last year I achieved my marathon PB of 2:53, and immediately started wondering what I should do next. I have run several marathons, but rarely more than two in a season. Id like to do a few shorter runs, but with all the training Im doing it seems a waste not to concentrate ...
Q. In my time as a runner, Ive run seven marathons, and now I want to train for an ultra-distance trail run of 50K (just over 30 miles). How should I modify my marathon training to prepare for the longer race?A Assuming that your seven marathons have gone smoothly, the move up ...
Q Is it true that a person will use the same amount of calories over a given distance regardless of how fast or slow they run? My theory is that two runners with an identical metabolic rate would use the same number of calories over a set course.A The rate at which our bodies b...
