This week, one young runner wants to lose weight – and thinks that microwave ready meals may be the answer. Is he right? Or can you offer him a healthier alternative?"I am trying to lose weight before I join the Army in July. I am still at school. I

We all know that running can help us control our weight, improve our fitness and, crucially, make us feel better about ourselves. But all these things are complicated when you're suffering or recovering from an eating disorder. This week's question

It's a common enough problem: you resolve to follow your run with some strength exercises or flexibility training, but you're too worn out after running..."I am about to re-embark on a weight-loss running plan. I keep reading that cross

This week, one reader wants to know why some runners like to put their back(pack)s into it..."Is it silly to train with a weighted rucksack strapped to your back? Surely it's safer to have a weight strapped around the stomach (less pressure

on who you are. I think some runners waste their time having rest days. If your upper-body weights days leave you feeling buoyant, cheerful and ready to go the next morning, it probably works perfectly well as rest. Even I can manage a couple of sessions

"I'm trying to lose weight, so I always eat breakfast and just have fruit for lunch. But I come home from work quite hungry, and crash if I go for a run before dinner. Any suggestions for a quick energy hit that doesn't involve lots of calories

running with some outdoor runs. For me, this provides a similar benefit to using free weights, in that your musculature is constantly challenged in lots of ways by undulating surfaces, wind resistance etc. Think more about time than speed. Get 30 mins

, I was doing 70-miles-plus a week, and sub-3-hour marathons. I walked/jogged up to 26 weeks (I'm currently 33 weeks), but then the weight of the two little rascals became too much, and I needed to stop so much for the loo it wasn't worth it. So I

some muddy tussocky slopes. – VelociraptorI'm not keen on the gym and never been co-ordinated enough for aerobics classes. However, friends persuaded me to try body pump earlier this year and I love it. It's a great way to weight train: you hardly know

haven't lost the weight you expected to? Or did you just forget where you put your mojo this morning?Whatever the reason for your motivational mishap, a quick visit to the Runner's World forum is often all it takes to get you revved up again. Kind words