1 Week to Go – You’re Ready. Now, Don’t Stuff It Up

By Adsy Gordon

You’ve made it to race week. The big work is done.

No more fitness to gain. Only recovery, fuelling and staying out of your own head.

Now’s the time to trust your plan and focus on three things that matter most.

1. Load Up. Don’t Overload.

Carb loading starts about 48 hours out, not all week. Keep eating normally until Friday morning. Then:

· Friday + Saturday = focus on extra carbs, mostly from simple, low-fibre sources

· Don’t overdo fat or fibre

· Hydrate consistently, but don’t guzzle water all day

If you’re pissing clear every 90 mins, you’re good.

2. Sleep Is Messy. That’s Fine.

If you sleep terribly on Saturday night, it won’t ruin your race.

Focus instead on getting good sleep early in the week. Go to bed 30–60 mins earlier, Monday to Thursday. Turn off screens. Keep it boring. That’s what helps.

3. Know Race Morning

Have everything laid out by Saturday afternoon:

· Shoes, socks, kit, bib

· Gels, drink bottle, breakfast

· Travel and start line timing

· Toilet strategy (don’t laugh, it matters)

Do a mental walkthrough the night before. Picture the first 5km. Know your plan. You don’t need to feel fearless, just ready.

4. You’ll Feel All the Things

Excited. Nervous. Doubtful. Fired up. All of it’s normal. Let it come, let it go.

When in doubt, slow down, breathe, and run your plan.

Next article: post-race recovery, soreness, cravings and how to mentally process whatever happens on the day, good or bad.

For now? You’re ready. Go get it.