If there's one bit of running kit that really matters, it's those bits of moulded polyeurethane on your feet. So this week we've picked out three niggling shoe queries from the Gear forum. Lend us your thoughts...Q1: The washing machine conundrum

Black toenails are caused by pressure on the nail, which causes bleeding under it. The normal cure is to make sure that your shoes have lots of room for expansion when you run. I believe that in your feet can expand by up to 10 per cent during a marathon, caused

lunchtimes per week). Each Monday I take a towel and trousers for the week, and every day I carry a shirt and underwear. I always leave shoes at work. – KezzTake your pickSome options...1. Run at lunchtime and use wet wipes2. Run when you get home and have a

on changing to a midfoot strike using the ChiRunning book. I'm now far less prone to injuries, and I'm running in lighter shoes with less support. My running seems to flow better, and I'm working with my body rather than against it. It's still a work

comfortable under your belt as your first goal – easily reached goals are the way to go. Start off with 10 mins now, do that for a couple of weeks, than add 1 or 2 mins (or whatever you reckon) a week. You'll improve in leaps and bounds, way faster than you

've already got as a cyclist. Oh yeah, helmet is compulsory. I've since bought a second-hand road bike for £200. Triathlons are great fun – as a plodder myself I highly recommend you give it a try. This may be of use for training plans: Fun2Tri.co.uk. Good

This week's questioner had a baby in January. But, unlike her fellow new mum Paula Radcliffe, she doesn't have a coach as a hubby. How should she get back into running?"I used to run most mornings (approx 3 miles) and loved it. I gave up a year ago

to set PBs at 10K, 10 miles and half marathons. – Johnny JConsensus advice is that for a first marathon you'll need up to a month to fully recover. However, as others have said, if you feel OK and don't do anything silly, you can pick up running again

cushion unless your backside is sufficiently padded to start with. – SnapstingetI learned the hard way that it's essential to do cross training to maintain running capability. I ran a lot from 1985-2000, 40+ miles per week and races once a month. All I did

medallist Brendan Foster, who got the idea after running in New Zealand's Round the Bays race in 1979.When the GNR made its debut in 1981, it took place in June and boasted a line-up of 12,000 runners – many of whom will be back this year, no doubt relieved