pacing strategies affect race results. They asked 11 experienced female runners to run 5K on a treadmill to determine their average for the distance. The runners were then asked to run 5K again, but tackling the first 1.63K at different speeds: once

ASICS PRO Team sports psychologist Dr Victor Thompson shares top strategies for setting targets, beating race day nerves and debriefing after the event.Whether it's a 5K or a spring marathon, your first race or your fiftieth, Dr Thompson's tips

pacing strategies affect race results. They asked 11 experienced female runners to run 5K on a treadmill to determine their average for the distance. The runners were then asked to run 5K again, but tackling the first 1.63K at different speeds: once

Performing Edge (£14.50, Stackpole Books). Along with your workouts, write in your training log how motivated, focused, energised or confident you felt on a scale of one to 10. "Maybe you scribble a three next to 'focused' a few days in row," she says. "So

for this level of effort; you'll find yourself thinking, "I can do this for a while, but if I go any harder, I'm going to tire out quickly." It lies close to your 20-40K time-trial power/effort, or 10K run pace/effort.Your goal is to remain under this level

, find out what gels and drinks will be available to you on race day and try them out.Racing overseasOther considerations will come into play if you are travelling abroad to race, such as how food and hydration strategies change with the climate, what

day: basic existence – 160 x 10 = 1600 calories; daily existence – 0.5 x 1600 = 800 calories; running – 5 x 100 = 500 calories. Add the three together and you get the total calorie burn for the day: 2900 calories.

and advances your pulse rate to the 120-150 beats per minute range. The latter two effects get your heart ready to handle the opening moments of the race without undue stress. Jog for about 8-10 minutes, and then don’t stand around for more than about two

. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your own climbing ability.1. Train the TerrainIf you typically ride flat roads, you will probably find climbs difficult. Even if your local training rides include short, steep hills, don't expect

with your eyes closed," says Robert Burton, a runner and psychiatry professor. Training your brain to help you run better isn't difficult, it just takes a little practice. So to help you, we've come up with 10 mental strategies for solving the most common