This week's question was emailed to me by forum member Little Lizard, who has taken barely a single rest day in years. She reckons gym work is enough of a rest for her legs, but could she be overdoing it and storing up trouble for the future
is finding time to rest and recover. You say you train every day, but it's during the rest periods – when your body repairs itself – that you get the real benefits from the exertions it's been put through. It repairs itself so that it's able to cope
When you remember school sports day, do you smile wistfully or shudder in horror?If you're in the shudder camp, I can relate. The annual 100-metre sprint was the only running we did at school, and I came last every single year. Not just last
've no idea how quickly I'll recover."– Soon to be skinnyYour best answersYou need more post-marathon recoveryThere's no point. You will get round, but you won't do yourself justice. The rough rule of thumb is that you need one day's recovery (that doesn
This week's questioner loves his running and loves his beer. But do they mix?"How much harm will a skinful of ale a week before a marathon do me? I'm running my first full marathon of the year on Sunday 29 April, six days after St George's Day. St
, and partly for general health reasons. But I feel sluggish and my work is suffering. Is there really a point to this caffeine-free lark?" – Jane Hoskyn aka e17 pixieYour best answersResensitising really works, so brave it outI abstain from caffeine now
out to support it year and after year and make the GNR what it is – a great day out!"And that, it seems, is what brings tens of thousands of runners – beginners, elites, veterans, fundraisers and the rest of us – flocking to enter every year. First
've had a few little niggles, but now I take note of every niggle and try to determine what's caused it, taking appropriate action immediately. Usually this either involves running slowly or taking a few days' rest. Invariably the niggles are caused by too
guidance on training. Specifically, day to day mileage or weekly mileage."– KarlosYour best answers...I did my first ultra – a hilly 40 miles – on about three days' training a week, between 20-30 miles a time. For me the biggest thing was getting my pace
for a waterproof, backpack-style suit carrier, but with no success. Someone please hurry up and invent one so I can buy it off you!" – Aberford MarkYour best answersGet an Eagle Creek clothes packI cycle to work two or three days a week and run in my
