Ready, steady… goStart slow. You will feel lousy before the marathon because of tapering, then when you start you’ll suddenly feel wonderful. Your body hasn't really changed so don’t revise your target pace because you feel good at mile five, or 10 or 15. You

moment and ask yourself why? It might seem strange, but what are you actually nervous about? In a race at a normal level, you cannot fail. Get round, even by walking, and you have succeeded. – Coops10Focus on what you have achieved, not what you might

, porridge etc. On the morning of the race I add a large slice of Malt Loaf with a load of chocolate spread to my breakfast plate, then take Kendal Mint Cake with me on the run. The problem with too much sugar before a run is that you may then experience a

toes.--Filling Up Fast...Bolton 10K, April 13Bolton 10K (Greater Manchester, April 13) While 40,000 runners head to the capital for the Flora London Marathon, another 1,000 will be travelling to the north-west for this fast and friendly road race