02/09/2025
Thank you Black Sheep Fitness Academy for this..hope you don’t mind me sharing!
I’ve had a few Great North Run clients in this week, getting that all important pre-race massage before the big day on Sunday.
Some are first timers, others old-timers.😆
The conversation always comes round to their training up to now and how they are going to spend these next few days.
I often say they have trained hard, so they can race easy…enjoy the day and the experience, but don’t introduce anything different and new at this stage.
This post sums it up.👇
To all you GNR runners…good luck and have the best race day! 🏃🏃♀️
⚠️ 3 Things NOT to do before the Great North Run ⚠️
If you’re lacing up for next Sunday, listen in. This isn’t your usual “drink water and stretch” pep talk. It’s the stuff runners don’t talk about, the sneaky mistakes that mess with your mindset, your body, and your confidence.
1. Don’t panic-train.
That last-minute guilt run? Bin it. You won’t gain fitness in 6 days, you’ll just risk injury or burnout. Trust the work you’ve done. The hay is in the barn. Now it’s about rest, fuel, and headspace.
Instead of cramming miles, focus on short, gentle movement to keep your legs ticking over. Walks, mobility, and sleep are your new best mates. Your job now is to arrive fresh, not frazzled.
2. Don’t overhaul your diet.
This isn’t the week to go full “clean eating” monk mode. Your body needs carbs, salt, and joy. Stick to what you know, keep it balanced, and don’t suddenly start necking beetroot juice because TikTok said it’s magic. Your gut deserves peace.
Sudden changes = digestive roulette. If you’ve never carb-loaded before, don’t start now. Just eat enough, hydrate well, and keep your meals familiar. Race day nerves are enough without a surprise sprint to the loo.
3. Don’t spiral into comparison.
Whether it’s Strava stats, finish times, or who’s wearing what, block the noise. This run is YOUR story. Your pace, your reasons, your finish line. You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you need to be.
Comparison steals joy. You don’t need to “earn” your place on that start line, you already have. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just hoping to finish upright, your effort is valid. Own it.
COACH TIFF ✌🏻
If this helped, share it with someone who’s stressing about next Sunday.
Let’s keep it honest and supportive.
You’ve got this. 🖤 Great North Run
