P.E.I. Marathon almost here and it’s time to wrap up the training sessions

Wow, it’s mid-October and now less than a week to go until the P.E.I. Marathon.

After all those weeks and months of training it’s showtime.

The last few days can be tough as you wind down your training to almost nil.

You’ll run less this week than you would have in a long run a couple of weeks ago.

My own routine had me running an 8K loop Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday that involved warming up the first couple of kilometres, then doing my 30-second repeats at a quick pace, followed by 30-second cool downs; just enough speed work to get the heart rate up, but not enough to injure or tire yourself too much.

If at all possible it’s good if you can get these runs done early in the morning so as to get your body used to duplicating the start time of your event on the weekend.

On Thursday, I would do my last run and I usually did a 13K loop at an easy pace, except the last kilometre that was done at my expected race pace.

I always looked forward to that last run knowing that the next two days were total rest days aside from some walking and easy cycling.

Even though you may feel the urge to get out for a run thinking that you’re losing fitness, don’t do it.

Your body will thank you come Marathon Sunday.

It’s a good idea to set aside what you’re going to wear on race day.

Check the weather and prepare for the worst. Be prepared to toss layers at an aid station along the course.

After working hard to lose a few pounds, there’s no need of wearing five extra pounds of clothing. My motto was less is best.

Avoid the urge to overeat this week. With less training you’re not burning as many calories.

I always do my carb loading during the last couple of days and have a very light breakfast on race morning.

When the guns goes off, be patient; you’re not in the 100metre sprint at the Olympics. Try and not let adrenaline get the best of you. Start carefully and ease into your pace not the pace of other runners around you.

I always found that it was the 7-8K mark of the marathon before I felt comfortable.

Be conscious of your breathing, keep it under control and relaxed.

Take advantage of the aid stations and stay hydrated. I would walk through the stations in the latter part of the Marathon.

Better to have the fluids in me than all over me.

Take time to thank the volunteers along the way. Without them there would be no event.

After the 30K mark I’d start to break the run down into small training runs in my head to help me over the wall.

Before you know it you’re cruising down University Avenue to an exciting finish that you’ve worked hard for. Finish with pride and be sure to smile.

Have a great run.