TO PASTA OR NOT TO PASTA?

Leading up to the race, I find there’s a bit of tension between wanting to try all of the great local cuisine and sticking to a bland diet of carbs. I would suggest planning most of the “fun” meals for after the race. For a half-marathon, I like to have a carb-heavy meal the night before the race and also a simple breakfast that includes coffee and more carbs. The night before the Cambridge Half, we planned to have our meal early, and chose a location that was within 500 m of our hotel.

Sharing in a pre-race meal with runners is a comforting tradition. Fears and goals are shared, and it’s a great time to get some nerves out. Whether you are a seasoned runner or new to the sport, chances are you’ll be at least a bit anxious. Chloe Bent, fitness blogger and founder of The Sweat Movement, was all nerves the night before the race. “It’s my first running race, ever,” she admitted to the table.

At one point during the dinner, Bent asked me, “Do you have any rituals before a race?” It was a question that I considered as I returned back to my hotel room. Pre-race rituals are important. Not only do they help to plan out everything you’ll need before the race so you won’t be rushing around last minute, but methodically going through the motions is also soothing.

One thing I always do the night before a race and suggested to the group is to lay out my race kit and affix my bib number. I also set up the coffee maker the night before so I don’t have to deal with it in the morning, and make sure I have my nutrition, whether it’s a gel or a bar, packed with my race clothes. With clothes, shoes and coffee ready, there was nothing more to do but set the alarm and try to get some sleep.

And so, I ran. As I remembered from the course map, the first part of the race went by some of the more historic buildings of the city centre, and then we found ourselves out in the countryside. It was beautiful – lush and green. It was also mercifully f lat. The weather remained ideal, with cool temperatures and little wind, and the kilometres ticked off.

For most runners, there is a part in the race when you go to a dark place. For me, this was at the 16k mark, approaching the city centre where we headed back to the finish line. I find having a mantra is helpful at this stage. It should be simple and repeatable. I went with “strong and calm.” When I feel fatigue setting in, it tends to lead to panic, repeating this mantra made me focus on my stride rhythm. I forced out a smile, because there’s evidence that perceived exertion lessens when you turn that frown upside-down.