ONE week to go before your half marathon can be a nerve-racking time – but don’t become anxious, you’ve put the training in and now is just as much about a mental game as a physical one.

The aim of this week is to become mentally and physically energised, so:

1) Your last long run should be around 60 to 70 minutes, and within that you may want to practicepractise some marathon pace work.

The run should be really comfortable, really easy and should feel like a breeze.

2) Don’t go out and run hard at any point.

It might feel strange, but now is the time to steady the training and just keep the legs moving.

3) Mentally you start to question if you can do this.

Be positive, look back at your training diary and the key sessions you have run and remind yourself you can do it.

Try to stay relaxed and switch off from the race.

4) Start to graze on carbohydrates a bit more, but don’t overdo it and have mountains of pasta, just add a little bit more than you would usually have.

Also, it is important to stay hydrated, but again don’t overdo it by drinking gallons of water and energy drinks.

Don’t end up comfort eating or drinking because you have more time on your hands.

5) Get to know the course.

Familiarise yourself with the route so that you know when to push yourself and when you need to ease off the gas.

6) You want to be looking at the long-range weather forecast, as this helps to get you thinking about race-day conditions.

This will help to refine your race strategy and the kit you are going to wear, ideally items you have been training in and you know will be comfortable over the distance.

If it is going to be warmer than you anticipated, you might have to run a bit slower on race day.

Finally, I want to wish you all the best of luck, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself – go out there, give it your best and soak up the incredible atmosphere.

Crossing the finish line in the Madejski Stadium, knowing that all those months of training have paid off, will give you a feeling like no other!