You've trained wisely and eaten well - but you just can't shake those pre-race nerves. So how can you work on mental preparation? To find out, I teamed up with researchers from Sheffield, Oxford, Manchester, Reading and Wolverhampton universities

Flora London Half-Marathon, Silverstone, MarchA fast course on the famous motor racing circuit and a new race that promises to get bigger and better.2 Capital City Challenge 10K, Edinburgh, SeptemberThree and a half thousand runners took on an impressive

. Familiarity breeds confidence.Routine Another way to relax is to have a specific warm-up routine before every race. For example, jog a mile or two, stretch in a quiet area, pop to the loo, run a few strides, listen to some music, then go to the line. Keep a

and if you time your effort right you’ll be greeted with an aerial display from the Red Arrows.Instantly recognisable: runners cross the Tyne BridgeMile 2As the race bids farewell to Newcastle you’re immediately greeted by the sound of the first of many music

of these strides after long runs as well.) After the strides, give yourself at least five minutes to relax and compose yourself before the start – sit somewhere quiet, listen to some music, perhaps even visualise having a great race. Being tense and nervous

Closing Soon…Bungay Black 10K Series (Suffolk, May 25) RW Says: Series of three 10K races in May, June and July. Enter all three to gain a discount.Bexhill Seafront 5K Series (Sussex, May 26) RW Says: Scenic seafront race series held

the Virgin London Marathon 2011 - hot and heaving!After a pre-race pep talk from the Runner's World crew (no weaving, hit your mile times, no listening to music - and enjoy it!), we set off for our pens. I was 11-minute/miling and starting from the very last

to do exactly the same things before each race – same breakfast, same way of travelling, same warm-up etc. This way, the body and mind feel that what is to come is predictable, and this helps relaxation. Listening to music that you love prior to the race

and music, and fields of up to 10,000 runners. Still, there are advantages in going small, too: you’ll probably find that a low-key event is easier in terms of travel and getting to the start, for instance.Races are usually advertised in local sports centres

and focused? Jimmy F A. Long runs can be really boring for some people. There are lots of ways to make it easier, but whatever happens, you must do them!Try some of the following techniques to help you stay motivated: Listen to music. Run with other people