Your feet take 18,000 steps every day on average. When you run you'll add to that figure, as well as the amount of perspiration produced by the 250,000 sweat glands on each foot. With stresses like that it's no wonder your feet complain from time

. The most likely cause? Very long runs in ill-fitting shoes. "There should be 1cm between the end of the shoe and the longest toe, with the toes neither crowded nor slipping around," says Prior. The toenail may fall off, or grow with a horizontal ridge

my mileage and practised running above 14,000 feet, but still I'd limped home after aggravating an old Achilles injury. Today I was ready for a charmed third try. I was fit, healthy and confident of a top-10 finish. Maybe I'd even break three hours

....hit the marathon wallWhat's going on? The energy to power your muscles comes from a store of about 2000 calories worth of glycogen in your liver and muscles, which is enough to energise about 20 miles of running. When you run out of glycogen, your body is forced

are to be expected, but don't let them put you off your next cycle of training or another race. It's easy to recover, stay in great shape and be ready for the next challenge if you follow these simple tips from our expert coaches and athletes. Go for a spin"After a

having ‘a wonderful time’ when running through- out their first trimester. Be sure to map out toilet stops along your route, wear a supportive bra and stop running if you feel too tired at this stage. Weeks 0-14 are crucial as far as your baby

energised. ‘Informal exercise’ – raking leaves, walking at every opportunity and taking the stairs instead of the lift – will also help. Personal trainer Luke Cunliffe advises his clients to take at least 10,000 steps (roughly five miles) in the course

, just like the finger-nail ones. They looked great all summer. See full threadBuy bigger shoesSuz - My second toenail is purple and about to fall off from my last pair of running shoes! I have just bought new shoes 1/2 size bigger and have had

before I gave birth, trying hard to put these questions to the back of my mind.Surprise ValentineOur beautiful daughter Mollie Beth was born at 1.12pm on Valentine’s Day – a true bundle of love. However I’d be lying if I said the birth was a breeze

appropriately, which means 150-350ml of fluid – preferably a carbohydrate drink – for every 15-20 minutes of running. To do this, take your favourite drink on the run, or stash it along your route. And sniff out all the available water along the way – and use it