on the theory that for pain to travel along a nerve, it has to go through a 'gate'. In order to 'ease' pain or 'control' it, the idea is to close the gate and prevent the signal going to the brain. The way we 'close' the gate is by stimulating the nerve so

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

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

. By all means have a time plan, but also have plan B, C to Z for any odd surprises. – Plodding HippoEating and drinkingIf you’re travelling to stay locally overnight before the race, check the hotel you are staying in does early breakfasts, or go prepared

to consider. One is the ability of the venue to cope with the non-running aspects of the event – for example how people will be travelling to the event, where will they park, or how close toilets can be situated to the event hub. The other is the physical