has been studying questions like this for more than 20 years, in between running 58 marathons (with a 2:37 PB) and ultra-marathons. He is also a doctor of public health and a professor of exercise science at Appalachian State University in the USA. I

time looking after the nails than lose valuable training time."Here are the most common ailments:Blackish-red and bruised nailsDiagnosis: Subungual hematomaA badge of honour for ultra-runners, black toenails are caused by blood pooling beneath the nail

is not what you need close to bedtime. Meadows advises increasing your mileage by no more than 10 per cent a week, and avoid training within two hours of bedtime.Action plan: Avoid training 2 hours before sleepIf you do choose to go out running

and maintain a reasonable pace, you still only have about 2,000 calories worth of glycogen stored in your muscles – enough to get most runners to about mile 18 or 20," he says. "As glycogen reserves are used up and fatty acid metabolism increases, your heart

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

, 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