cent in mental tests and ability to deal with the causes of stress. Running actually builds new brain cells in the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory, which deteriorates from the age of 30. "It boosts blood flow – and in turn, oxygen
for a break, says Alberto Salazar, elite runner-turned-coach. It's better to come in under-prepared than overtrained. Focus on intensity The marathon may be a test of endurance, but speedwork will really help you string together 26 strong miles. Still
effort." Jonathan Williams, GP and Ironman triathleteTest foot and shin flexibility "If you're prone to shin splints, then try kneeling with your sit bones resting on your heels, the tops of your feet flat on the floor. If you can feel a real pull
pair of shoes to get you - and keep you - on the road. Go to a specialist running shop, where trained professionals will evaluate your feet, watch you run, recommend the right shoes for your running gait, and then let you go for a test run. With all
: Lincolnshire 2010 Rating: 80%Run this if you like... testing legs over a mix of road, trail and off-road terrain; discovering rural Lincolnshire; hills.Sussex MarathonWhen: April 3 Where: East Sussex 2010 Rating: new to RWRun this if you like... chasing through
to be taking any risks with supplements. I would just say you should stick to things that are tried and tested and other athletes use. Thats what I do.Paul Dickenson What are your racing plans for the rest of the year?Paula Radcliffe At the moment I haven
need to justify their visits to the forums with a dose of hard scientific running fact, Cooper’s 12 minute track test has enough to boggle the most athletic of minds, while First 5k tomorrow shows the sort of supportive, encouraging warmth that makes
's no concrete floor to step on or wall to reach for when you gulp down a huge mouthful of water. But those are worries for another day; for the moment, just trying to become a better swimmer is testing enough.Swim smarterWhile my natural inclination would
of their diet from fat produce better average times to exhaustion in exercise tests than those eating typical low-fat, high-carb diets.THE GET-LEAN FIXAdd healthy fats to every meal. Sass recommends getting about 20 per cent of your calories from MUFAs, about 55
worse, it’s a great running song). So here's the plan: pick any three of the strategies – one from each section – and road test them for a month. If any (or dare we hope? – all) work, great! If not, pick three more and take them for a spin. If
