Q Is there any way I can use cycling to help with my running? Can it replace speedwork, for instance? I already cycle a hilly eight miles to work every day. I’m currently training for a half-marathon, and I run three times a week.A Cycling makes

Q I suspect that I’m training too hard on my easy days. How do I know what pace I’m supposed to run at on those days, and what is the best way to make sure that I slow down?A Good question. On your easy days, your pulse should rise no higher than

Q I started running two years ago and have increased my half-marathon pace from 9:30 miling to 7:30 miling. I have noticed recently that I’m using a longer, slower stride for both speedwork and general training, and my times have remained the same

Q I don’t race longer than 10K. Do my training runs need to be any longer than this distance? A Yes – longer runs are beneficial, even for 5K and 10K runners, because there is a relationship between endurance and speed. Although a lot shorter than a

Q How do I fit running around my job as a fitness instructor? I take several classes every weekday, except Thursday, and find it really hard to fit in more than two or three 40-minute runs a week. I really want to run a half-marathon, but how can I

key race, and based on that, organise your training into four phases:1. Foundation phase (6-12 weeks), which aims to gradually increase the volume and regularity of your running. (Try to limit the amount of road work in favour of grass.) Variation can

Q I know that long runs should be run slower than race pace, but can you explain why. I want to race at eight minute/mile pace at next year’s Flora London Marathon, so surely I should train at that pace? Also, if I run a half-marathon in January

Q. In my time as a runner, I’ve run seven marathons, and now I want to train for an ultra-distance trail run of 50K (just over 30 miles). How should I modify my marathon training to prepare for the longer race?A Assuming that your seven marathons

Q I love running but two years ago my motivation started to slip and I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I am recovering well, and would like to start running again. My therapist says the same amount of activity every day will help stabilise

Q Each week I do two, one-hour gym sessions where I lift weights and then run around 5K on the treadmill. How can I make the best use of my time on the treadmill? A Assuming that you are well warmed-up from your gym work; you should try to get