.Rather than having a set number of hard sessions every week, I would recommend anyone to phase them in gradually. Thus, in the first phase (a few weeks) of a training programme, just concentrate on easy and steady running and gradually increase your mileage

Q I recently started training more heavily for some upcoming 5Ks and 10Ks. I run six days a week, including speedwork. I’m a fit 24-year-old, but I’ve noticed my sex drive flagging. Could my running be causing this?A There certainly can be a

Q I’ve been suffering from a very sore Achilles tendon and hamstring problems in my left leg for nearly a year. I can still run on it, but at the end of the day I can’t wait to jump in a warm bath because of the pain. Oddly, it gets worse if I stand

that, with physiotherapy, I should be running again in six months. But will I be able to regain my full fitness, and what are the chances of the injury returning?A Yes, it will be possible to return to the level you were at prior to the operation

Q I have a lump at the back of my knee which is always there, but it seems to get bigger after each run. It doesn’t cause me any pain and doesn’t hinder my running in any way, but should I be worried?A It sounds to me as if you have a Baker

Q I’ve been running for five years with very few injuries, but recently I’ve been experiencing pain in both shins. The pain is on the inside of my legs, just off-centre. I tried resting for three weeks as suggested by my GP, but the problem

Q I’m planning to run a marathon, but I’m also trying, unsuccessfully, to lose weight. When I run, my appetite increases, and I find that I eat more and put on weight rather than lose it. What can you suggest?A Perhaps surprisingly, losing body

Q I’ve heard that running can improve asthma, but I suffer from exercise-induced asthma, especially after pushing myself. Will it improve with regular training? A Asthma is a tightening of the small breathing tubes in the lungs. The tubes

Q I have an identity crisis. As a keen runner for the last 20 years, I have recently retired, but now I just cannot find the motivation to train properly. I climb into my car rather than my running gear. When I do go out for a run, any uphill

Q I’m 44 years old and have been running for 20 years. I stretch my calves and hamstrings before I run but have recently suffered a calf strain after a few miles. How can I avoid this and how should these injuries be treated when they occur?A From