screwed on to make sure you've got the best chance of race-day success.The Night BeforeOne of the keys to racing success is having clearly defined goals to aim for. Before you even pin your number onto your top, figure out what you want to get out

Leading the field: Paula RadcliffeThe Athens Olympic Marathon in 2004 was meant to be Paula Radcliffe's race. Since her marathon debut in London in 2002 the British world record holder had never been defeated over the distance. Certainly the Kenyans

good, tried-and-trusted breakfast... Here’s what to do next to ensure race-day bliss...1. Arrive earlyRacing is meant to be enjoyable. Tough, perhaps, but enjoyable. So don’t stress yourself by arriving late on the big day. Aim to turn up an hour before

Leading the field: Paula RadcliffeThe Athens Olympic Marathon in 2004 was meant to be Paula Radcliffe's race. Since her marathon debut in London in 2002 the British world record holder had never been defeated over the distance. Certainly the Kenyans

.I’m always telling runners to lighten up and remember what attracted them to the sport in the first place. Learn to experiment with races and have fun: you don’t have to make every competition the ultimate challenge; just feel good about yourself.Beyond race

Q I’ve been running for just over a year and have recently started entering races. The thing is that as soon as I stand on the start line, I’m always overcome with nerves. I feel queasy and my legs shake, and I’m sure this is affecting my race

Butterflies in your stomach, waves of nausea and a dry, prickly mouth – sound depressingly familiar? Well, for this week’s questioner, enough is enough - she wants to know how she can nip her race-day anxieties in the bud and get on with enjoying

No matter how much preparation you’ve done beforehand, sometimes on race-day things just don’t go to plan. But for this week’s questioner, a disappointing performance has left her void of all motivation to continue – can you help her regain her

Q I’m 45, and can no longer train at the levels I used to. Recently I’ve tried the run/walk method. However, I can’t get past the ‘guilt’ I feel when I’m walking in a marathon. Any suggestions?A I understand the psychological barrier

, as overtraining can also contribute to race-day blues. If all of your sessions are eyeballs-out, then come race day, there’s a good chance your legs will let you down just when you need them most. Make sure that you never follow a hard training day with another