Race day running tips

How to get race-day ready. Photo: Getty

After weeks of training, it's time for the big event. Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jess Trengove, 28, knows the feeling all too well.

She will take on the Medibank Melbourne Marathon on October 18 as a chance to post a PB and qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Related: How to be a better runner

Ready to run? She shared her top tips to get race day ready…

1. Take time to rest
“Continue to focus on recovery and rest in the weeks leading up to the event. Eat well and try to meet your sleeping needs to ensure that you absorb training and go into the race feeling better than ever.”

2. Consider your fuel
“Practice your race day nutrition strategy before and during key training sessions. Consider your pre-race meal, caffeine, hydration and fueling within the race.”

3. Plan to succeed
“If you plan to use gels, practice consuming these at race pace beforehand and determine how you will carry these in the marathon.”

4. Call in the troops
“If you like to have support during the race, pick out locations along the course where you would like people to cheer for you. If you are aware of a particularly challenging point in the marathon, I would recommend positioning people there. Words of encouragement and cheers can be very motivating.”

Related: 10 tips to make running easier

5. Respect the taper period
“The final week is about freshening up rather than trying to make fitness gains. Have faith in your preparation and see race day as an opportunity to reap the benefits of your hard work.”

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