THIS week's column from Kennet District Council Lifestyles Officer Anita Hodgson deals with how to prepare for a running event.

ALTHOUGH the main preparation is the physical act of training to participate in the event there are other things you need to consider.

These include: What about running/training in the week before the event?

What to wear?

When should I eat?

What should I drink?

What should I do if the day is really hot?

What time should I arrive?

Some of these things have been discussed in previous articles but we are now looking at putting it all together for the big day. It may seem that you have to plan the day with military precision but the better your pre planning the more prepared you are for all eventualities.

Running/Training in the week before the event

All the real training should have been completed by the time you get to the week before the event but it will not hurt to go out for a gentle jog once or twice during the week.

You should be aiming to keep the legs loose and ready to run the main event and not attempting to increase distance or speed at this stage.

What to wear on the day

This should be running shoes and clothing that you have trained in.

Using new running shoes for the first time on the day of the event could cause you injury or at the very least sore and blistered feet.

Shoes should not be purchased any closer than a month before the event, and they should have been worn during training sessions.

The clothing you wear should also have been worn previously in order for you to know if there are any areas that rub or may cause chaffing.

When should I eat?

It is important that you eat before the event but eating at a time that is right for you is something that you should have tried during your weeks of training.

General rule of thumb would be to eat no later than 2-3hours before the run although some individuals may eat as close as 1hour pre event and have no problems at all.

Do not eat anything on the morning of the event that you have not eaten prior to a training session - event day is not the day to experiment!

What should I drink?

This is really important to get right and as with eating is something that you should have considered during training sessions.

Fluid intake during the event is important especially if the day is really hot. You should have with you additional water for after the run.

What should I do if the day is either really hot/wet?

If the day is going to be hot and sunny then you need to take with you additional water/drinks for the finish as well as something to sip before the start or to carry with you during the event so you do not become dehydrated.

Use sun block to reduce the risk of sunburn and wear a hat if necessary to reduce the risk of sunstroke.

If it is going to be wet then you need to make sure that you take a change of clothes with you as you will cool down really quickly in wet clothes. At Kennet Kanter you can use the facilities at Devizes Leisure Centre to shower and change.

What time should I arrive before the start?

This is something that really is an individual choice although there are some things you need to consider.

You should always be there early enough to warm-up before the start. Check in advance parking facilities as these may be limited or a walking distance form the start.

It is a good idea to arrive early enough to get a feel for the day and enjoy the build up to the start, familiarise yourself with the start and location of facilities.

Soak up the atmosphere! Enjoy the experience!