On your marks...

Windsor: Running festival returns to town this weekend

The Windsor Running Festival is back and set to take place 25th and 26th September in the stunning grounds of Windsor Great Park.

Advice for the big day

The Windsor Women’s 10k and the Windsor Half Marathon welcome you all back for 2021.

James Thie, the official race coach for the Windsor Running Festival has put together these tips to see you through the race:

Trust your fitness: It is easy to think that to do more is better. Many people overdo the last week of training as they go searching for fitness or think they need to add one more run in to get fitter. My advice is cutting volume by half but still running at the same frequency as normal. You are better reaching the start line fresher and healthier, rather than tired and injured.

Plan ahead: Get your kit and trainers out ready. Make sure they have been tried and tested on longer runs and do not change anything on race day. Also, make sure you have all the information you need concerning travel and parking, as no one likes a rush on race day. Think about having a practice to find your best breakfast and fuelling/hydration during the race. You will need something on race morning that will give you a long-lasting release in energy during the run. I have round honey porridge with banana as a great combo, but must be tested on a long run before race day.

Race strategy and nerves: Don’t get carried away on race day. Have a plan and stick to it. If aiming for a time, then look out for the pacers as they are a brilliant guide to help you achieve your goal.

For others, it may be looking at the course for hills or water stations and or planning a run and walk strategy to cover the distance.

Looking out for landmarks can help, as they break down the distance and help settle the prerace nerves. Nerves can be a good thing – don’t let them get the better of you! Think positive thoughts. Everyone will have ‘butterflies’ but use them to get excited about the challenge ahead.