.com). Scientists monitored people's sleeping habits for two weeks, then exposed them to a cold virus. Those who clocked less than seven hours were three times more likely to get sick than those who slept for at least eight hours. Drink on the runThat healthy boost

Getty ImagesBelieve it or not, people who exercise frequently or for prolonged periods are more likely to pick up infections and catch colds than sedentary people.This is even more likely in autumn and winter – the traditional season for a

Q Every winter, my training and racing is interrupted by bouts of colds and flu. What can I do to prevent illness in the first place and, other than the medicines available from the chemist, is there anything that will help me recover quickly

Q In 40 years I’ve never had a problem with hay fever but I now find that midday running during the summer months makes my eyes and nose stream. I don’t have these problems in the winter. Is there anything I can take to stop it? A The best time

of the year and are less inclined to exercise. If you know this is likely to happen you can take steps to adapt to the situation. In short, keep training. To compensate for your lower core temperature early in the morning, especially in winter, when what

is often a sign of dehydration or oncoming heat illness, according to sports doctor David Jenkinson. "Even slight dehydration immediately impacts performance," he explains. "It is a danger even in the colder winter months." Dizziness can also be caused by a

to keep you warm and dry in the winter. Do you really want that on a hot summer’s day?No, you don’t. In 2000, Nike produced a shirt that several runners wore in the Sydney Olympics. This white shirt sat off the skin on small bumps (allowing air

UAN: Article type:add book link if poss--“It was a beautiful winter day – snowy but sunny – and I felt great running on snow-packed roads. I was as pregnant as possible – for that evening, I gave birth. I had gone out for a five-miler, but I felt

on Mondays or any day after a holiday. Her advice is to make a weekend schedule, and stick with it. For help, line up a training partner.11. Stay involvedIt seems counter-intuitive, but keeping busy can keep you healthy. Having projects to do gives your day

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