haemoglobin and ferritin levels. Ferritin is an iron-storing protein and this test can give a good indication of your body's iron stores.Iron aweIf you're active, you may be more prone to anaemia. Heavy training can increase your iron needs by 1-2mg per day

're not getting enough omega-3s," says Leslie Bonci, one of the authors of Total Fitness for Women."What do we athletes do instead? We go straight for anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. What we should be doing is aiming for 1,000g to 2,000mg of omega-3 a day

need to train during stamina-building longer repetitions (800-1600 metres) and shorter, faster repetitions (200-400 metres). These speed sessions – normally two per week – form the principal parts in our 5K and 10K schedules.

hours after the race and may linger for up to a week after the marathon. For the first 24 hours after the race, apply ice (wrapped in a cloth) frequently to any painful parts of your legs, keeping it on for about 12 minutes at a time. Elevate your feet

and intensity drops off. This week, as your training hits its peak you should also eat a bit more protein, troubleshoot your race plan and choose your race-day shoes.Training ChecklistThis is the final week of big training, with your final long run of between 18

to protect your body and rekindle your interest in training. And you can.Recent research shows that supplementing, or even replacing, part of your running programme with other forms of exercise might be just what you need to avoid boredom, minimise injuries

two or three intervals with five-minute recoveries), or do a continuous 25-minute tempo run at a pace that’s 12-15 seconds per mile slower than your usual 10K race pace. TaperIt’s tempting to think that extra time spent training in the last weeks