Q I have recently discovered that when I’m training and racing hard I end up suffering from a terrible sore throat. I eat a well balanced diet, take multi-vitamins and have tried echinacea. Should I take antibiotics, cut down on the alcohol – I don

, can I use it to predict my marathon finishing time?A Trying to run at eight minute/mile pace (your target race speed) during 20-mile training runs on a regular basis will have a detrimental effect on your other sessions in the week. That’s why long

. Is this realistic, and what sort of training mileage should I be putting in?A The John O’Groats-Land’s End run is a real challenge whichever way you do it, and 40 miles a day is pretty ambitious for any runner, but why not?Working backwards, you’ll need

Q. I train four to five times a week, including hills and a couple of interval sessions. However, each time I increase my training, by even a modest distance or pace, my muscles are too stiff and sore to undertake the next day’s session. What can I

that will help you slow down on your easy days:1. When you head out, imagine you’re doing a two-hour run. That’s the pace you should be aiming for. If you don’t think you could keep the pace for two hours, you’re going too fast.2. Learn to monitor your breathing

variety of strength efforts. On some days do 6-10 very short (10-20 secs) and very hard efforts with 6-10 times as much recovery between (eg 6x20 secs with 120 secs rest); on other days do efforts of 2-3 minutes that are hard but sustainable, at the same

Speed repetitions Warm up, then run eight x 400m at mile race pace with two-minute jog recoveries between. 5 Sprints Warm up, then run eight x 200m at 800m race pace with 200m slow jog recoveries between.6 Strides Warm up, then run 10-12 x 100m

, increase the speed settings to make sure you're always sprinting at 8/10 effort. If you've only got time for a short workout, this short sharp session (10-15 minutes) does the trick. Warm up with an easy jog on an 0.25-1

140, but I think if you're an accomplished runner you can do more. – Mitchie MooI'm now 29 weeks pregnant. I've continued to cycle to work every day, and I will be taking part in a 20-mile sponsored walk in Snowdonia in just under two weeks' time. My

miles 10 miles 5 10 x 400m 5 miles 14 miles 6 5 x 1200m 5 miles 15 miles 7 7 x 800m 8 miles 17 miles 8 3 x 1600m 10 miles 13 miles 9 12 x 400m 3 miles 18 miles