WITH little more than four weeks to go until the 2017 Vitality Reading Half Marathon, the event’s official training partner George Anderson tells the Chronicle the answers to three of the most frequently asked questions ahead of race day:

1) How important is nutrition?

A lot of people ask the question of what they should be eating in preparation for race day – am I getting enough protein, what’s the right quantity of carbs and what should I avoid?

The truth is, diet and nutrition differs for everyone.

Now is the time to start experimenting with what you eat pre-and post-run. Find out what works best for you ahead of the race, so it’s not something you’re panicking about a week out.

It’s important to ensure you’ve planned a race-day strategy. Find the foods that make you feel good before a run, and what helps you recover afterwards.

Ideally you should be eating within 30 minutes as your body needs essential nutrients to kick start the growth and repair after a hard run.

2) Does having the correct kit matter?

You can run with any old kit, and many people did exactly that for many years.

But a well-fitting running outfit and trainers that are going to support your feet as you run will make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. And when you enjoy something, you’re more likely to continue with it.

Practice running in the kit and the shoes you are going to use on the day. It is important to wear-in new shoes to avoid rubbing and blisters, and if you have a blister to tape it up properly before the race. You can also prevent problems by covering areas you think might blister.

3) Should I use a running plan?

A plan can give you structure as you train towards a race. Each run is a part of the overall plan so you never feel as though you’re just going out for ‘another run’.

Each mile counts, gives your mind and body the variety it needs to stay interested and physically progressing towards the goal.

  • ENTRIES been extended by one week and will now close at midnight on Tuesday. To secure a place, visit readinghalfmarathon.co.uk