comes too, so we sprint when we see a squirrel and we stop when we need a drink from a muddy puddle.However, in opposition to that I'm pretty competitive when it comes to racing and do quite well, except in the marathon. My best half time is 1.28, yet my

to your race paces, but heart rate is an equally good guide (especially if you're new and you don't know what your race paces are). The glossary suggests target heart rates, and so even the most basic heart rate monitor (from about £40) will be a valuable

improvements is all about the overall mixture - how you put long runs, speedwork, tempo sessions, rest and warm-up races together. The single most important session though is the long, slow steady run.Q. I was hoping for a sub-4:00 marathon but have been

. Enter races, but run them as long runs or as part of your long run. As long as you run at training pace, it’ll teach you to run in a race environment, practice taking drinks and getting used to standing on a start line.Q. I try to do speed work, but I

Q I have a problem that seems to affect me after finishing half-marathons: I feel queasy and don’t 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 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

Q This may sound silly, but I have real problems drinking during races. Usually I grab a cup, spill most of the contents as I’m 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

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...

’re a first timer, I suggest you focus on finishing the race feeling good. The marathon can be a humbling distance, so be prepared for whatever the day, the weather and the course throw at you. Having an absolute time goal can be a recipe

Q I’m a 33-year-old female, and after being collected by the ‘slow police’ after 19 miles in last year’s Berlin Marathon, I’m desperate to get my time down in this autumn’s race. I guess I should do speedwork but I don’t know what my targets should