in 2002, resulting in serious whiplash. I was off work for four months, almost unable to walk let alone run. I was told that I'd probably be unable to run again, and I was devastated – but a year after the accident I did my first five minutes

's the time spent running that really counts, not the distance covered. – Silver ShadowRun-walk to and from the gymCan you run to the gym, or walk there to warm up, then do your core exercises and take a gentle run back? If you're eating a healthy diet, you

with weight is not good for your back or knees if you are running too fast. Even when training with weight in the army, you're restricted to walking very fast as opposed to running. If you are training for a specific reason with weight, then go for it

This week, one reader emailed us with a very practical problem. Just how do you work out how far you've run?"What is the easiest and most effective way to measure the distances you're running? I've tried pedometers, bike computers and route

, it can't be beaten. My daughters got to 5K by using the same techniques as their mother: run-walk a set distance, and build from there. Going for gentle jogs with my daughters after my own 12-mile runs is a perfect way to ease away post

after a week or less. A good idea is to do some cross training: swimming, cycling or walking. But be very careful of doing quick breast stroke if you've recently run. It's an unnatural action for legs that are used to only going forwards or backwards

or drink, and had notched up a hearty 49 years. But when doctors ran tests, a biopsy revealed throat cancer."Right after the biopsy he went for a run," Dave’s wife Liz, aka forum member School Runner, told RW. "It reminded him that there are loads of people

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