annual test of how running has improved my fitness over the years. I staggered around my very first Race For Life eight years ago, but since then every one I've done has felt far easier, I've enjoyed them much, much more and, best of all, my times have

the 'bouncing up and down test'’ in the mirror to work out when they're ready for the bin. Liverbird I do the bouncing up and down test and the 'Can I get my fingers under the strap at the back?' test. I also alternate between two so seem to get more mileage

did the reality of what I’d agreed to hit home.I have to admit I love a challenge, and for me, the marathon is the ultimate test. I’m a very determined person: I’m not going to fail. I know that, with winter on its way, there’s a physical reality

flow to the muscles and removes waste products. But this assumption had never been scientifically tested during a post-exercise massage – until a recent Canadian study. "The study results clearly identified that post-exercise massage is not able

or two.I like to deal with problems head on, but I've got to wait and see the doctor and physio. So, frustratingly it's out of my hands. My general philosophy on things when things are bad is "have a bag of Minstrels, deal with the problem, move on". I

this weekend. Kim’s challenge over the next three weeks is to maintain the vigour of the last three months. To get the most out of every run, Kim will need to maintain quality in the remaining sessions whilst keeping her fuelling, hydration and general eating

some long runs. This has boosted Lucy’s confidence and she is happy to be back out on the road running (despite falling over a couple of times!). Nutritional strategies have been tried and tested but the perfect plan has not quite been discovered

so restricting. You could always contact the Coeliac Disease Society, who provide guides on what coeliacs can/can't eat. CJBA What kind of tests did the nutritionist do? I’m a little concerned - cutting out all wheat and dairy is quite restrictive