Hi all,

Well, just a few days to go until the Bristol half and so it's the fun of once-a-day running and not overdoing it. I always enjoy the lie ins in taper week, but every run feels like an exam when you're analysing how your legs feel. If they don't feel great, you wonder why: am I losing fitness already? Did I overdo it last week? Should I be running slow to keep the legs fresh; or fast to keep them used to a faster pace? I think that in reality, it makes no difference at all: but it's still really hard not to read loads into every single run. I'm not one of those who doesn't enjoy the taper - I know there are people who go mad if they run less, but I've never been like that. I enjoy running less and having some spare time!

I have no real routines or tips that I've found 'definitely work' leading up to a race. My best races have come both off good tapers, as well as big training weeks. Weirdly, I've never really experimented much with my race build-up as I've always been worried anything different I do will affect me, but I have no idea if my normal build-up is actually what is best for me!

Generally, I run easy, decrease the mileage, take a rest day 2 days before the race, and stay healthy where I can. It's not an unusual approach I think. One tip I do have for those who do halfs and marathons, is cut out protein as much as possible 24-36 hours before the race. I used to have AWFUL stomach problems after races over 10miles: cramps, continual toilet stops, general discomfort, and I was terrified before my marathon debut that these cramps may come on a little too soon! Yet, I tried cutting out meat and cheese etc before Bristol last year, and was fine after the race. I tried it again before Amsterdam, and I had no problems whatsoever. It may be a coincidence of course, but I'm certainly not going to change that routine just to check!

Right, back to relaxing, and setting my alarm for 8am!