inhibit your running. Consider, for example, the massive quadriceps of some professional cyclists – some of them seem to hang over their knee-caps: great for cycling, but useless for running.I use strength training less to run fast or to look good

directions.Plan B Spend 40 minutes on the bike, stairclimber or elliptical trainer (five-minute warm-up, 30 minutes at a steady 70- to 80-percent effort, and five-minute cool-down). Then, for the next 20 minutes, perform one or two sets (12-15 repetitions

to 10-15 seconds per mile slower than your current 10K race pace. Run at this pace for five minutes then increase the gradient to five per cent and run for two more minutes at the same pace. This should force your heart rate up by 10-15 per cent

this first-hand on a 1998 trip to Kenya. One morning, I joined a handful of marathon runners who were being coached by Dr Gabriella Rosa as they tackled the infamous Fluorspar Hill that rises nearly 4000ft in 13 miles.I managed to hang on for only 10 minutes

ran 2:42:24 in 1975, and Joan Benoit Samuelson ran 2:22:43 in 1983. ("World best" was the euphemism instead of "world record" for road-race performances before January 1, 2004.) This year saw a course record set in the men's race, but, at 2:07:14

the gym, where no one would see me collapse after single-digit press ups and pull ups. The running went better, though I found the 15 minutes at 10K pace rather monotonous. My heart rate climbed to 159, about 88 per cent of my maximum.The Progressive

) in length.Medium (M) Between six and 12 miles (19.3K) in length.Long (L) More than 12 miles in length.Thus, a race listed as "AM" will be steep but of medium length. Most fixtures will also include a reference to their total distance and elevation –3m/400

’re starting out, machines are safer and easier to use than free weights. Begin with a simple programme of 15-20 minutes twice a week and build up slowly.6. Yoga and stretching(12 per cent; 36 minutes)The principle behind stretching is clear – get flexible

lift, which gives a long stride. All the running is done at 95-100 per cent effort, with long recoveries. Try the following sessions:‘Pyramid’ sessions, starting with 150m and moving up to 170m, 190m, 200m and down again, with a walk-back recovery of 90

’t find 30 minutes to devote to a run, head out for a quick 10-15 minutes in the morning, then slip in another 10-minute trot later on that evening.Tip from the trenches: “I recently bought my seven-year-old daughter a bike, and she now rides