and with all the coaching and nutrition advice, I was in the best shape of my life. However, it didn't quite go to plan. I felt ill after the first water station and just couldn’t shake it. By mile twelve I had to stop running, although it was one

for example, that would be 10 miles steady, 10 miles tempo, five miles fast and five miles slow. This has the advantage that you can get some steady miles in for general conditioning, you get practice at running near to race pace, and you get to do some

, contributed by RW staff members and running experts and coaches across the country, will help. You won't need all of this advice, but we think that many of these suggestions save you time and aggravation. They'll leave you free once again to enjoy the simple

for a beginner like me to keep going on these hills. Any advice please?" – West Country PlodderYour best answersJust bite the bulletI struggle with hills all the time, and I even started to run round them rather than go up them. This was cured when I

can make to your physical and mental fitness. After six months I ramped up the running. I had no weight gain this time and was generally a lot happier. – Andrew RIt is all about compromise. Mr Tweety is not a runner, but he tells me to go out for a run

think the UK's general change to racing on a Sunday from Saturdays makes it more difficult to race as frequently as we did in the 80s, and still get the long runs in. I raced most weekends, and often mid-week in the summer - relays and track races

. Some coaches prefer to keep track of the long run by time rather than distance, which is the approach we generally recommend for the slower groups in our marathon schedules.Your time goal for your longest run should approximate the total length of time

from your body in every race you do can lead to injury, lasting fatigue and psychological issues, which can hamper your running for life."To read the full 14 fixes - including advice on hitting the right pace in each training session and performing well

.“After the race, rehydrate, get some protein in and then carbs. Have what you feel like but avoid alcohol – your blood vessels will expand and you’ll feel sorer the next day.”Listen to the latest podcast for more expert nutrition advice from Ruth at runnersworld

You've heard the usual recommendations for so long that you accept them as gospel. And most of the advice is solid. Who can argue with putting in mileage, peaking for races and stretching after a run? But just because many coaches, sports