Getting ready for a race is not too dissimilar to swotting for an exam, except obviously racing is way more important than any exam.
Success on the big day is all about the months of slog before hand, the nights of potential fun and frivolity sacrificed on the altar of high expectations.
And like exams, you're always told that right in the run up you should resist the urge to cram.
As the final countdown to those two hours or so begins you should be as ready as you’ll ever be, we’re told.
The days ahead are about getting your head in the right place and sharpening your pencil. With racing, it’s apparently the same.
We shouldn’t be going too hard and draining the legs too close to race day.
But let’s be honest, life has ways and means of throwing hurdles in your road as you set out to train four or five days a week and only manage two or three.
Work, kids, your valet running off with one of the house maids can all throw a spanner in the works.
On the exam metaphor theme, though, there is a need to use the head in racing.
We each have our own way of racing, but over big distance there has to be some kind of discipline and a game plan of some sort.
For all the hard training, you need to have a good think about what pace you’re going to - are able to - go at on race day and how you need to stick to it.
As said, we’re all different and my discipline issue is about not going too quick too soon.
So have a plan, a realistic one, and concentrate on maintaining it despite the crowds and the buzz which can be a distraction. Thirteen miles is a long game and one that needs treated with a little reverence.
Besides the mind games obviously make sure you’re well hydrated and well fed the day before. Get a decent night’s sleep and best of luck to everyone.
Here’s hoping for top marks!
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