On the day

Iwan Thomas advises on what you should do on the big day.

'So, all the weeks of training have been done, the day is finally here – its race day and these are my top tips:

'My main advice is don’t panic. It’s like an exam at school, you are going to get there and you are hearing people say ‘have you revised this subject?’ We are all different, you are going to line up against some people who have trained harder than you, others who haven’t. But the main thing is - don’t panic, because you have done as much as you are going to do, the work has been done.' 

'What I would suggest is to have everything ready the night before. So have your number already on your vest, have your chip already on your shoe. The worst thing you can do on race day is to get there and get yourself in a tiff by thinking ‘I haven’t done that!’ So get everything ready the night before.' 

'Also, study the route of the race you are going to run so you know where you are going to go. Another thing I would say is – we are all different shapes and sizes, so when you line up don’t get carried away. You will get nervous and when the gun goes, the temptation is to set off way too quickly – I do it myself, every time I run I say I am going to go steady but I don’t, I get carried away and try to chase the elite athletes, then after a couple of miles I am so tired, I know I have done the damage. So just go off at a nice steady pace and remember all the hard work you have done.' 

'Drink lots as well. I can’t stress enough, the morning of the race, before you run – drink. When you are actually on the course, don’t panic too much, you don’t have to be drinking at every drink station, just little sips. So just be prepared really. The hard work has been done, you’ll think it hasn’t but you are going to be fitter than you think you are. If you go off at a nice steady pace and be sensible, you’ll get through the race. 

'But most of all enjoy it, smile and there is going to be loads of Macmillan supporters out there cheering you on in your green vest. Just get out there and do it, and as I said when it does hurt, remember why you are doing it and have a good time.'

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