The streets of Lisbon are about to fill with thousands of runners, each carrying their own story, goal, and rhythm.
Whether you\u2019re chasing a personal best, running your first half, or simply soaking up the atmosphere \u2014 this is your week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But before you step onto the starting line, let\u2019s talk about what really matters in the final days before the race: how you prepare your body, mind, and fuel<\/strong> for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The days leading up to a race can be nerve-wracking \u2014 and that\u2019s completely normal. Instead of trying to ignore the nerves, embrace them<\/strong>. Take short walks, do gentle mobility work, and visualize the moment you cross the finish line. And remember: excitement and anxiety feel the same in the body. Reframe that energy \u2014 it\u2019s not stress, it\u2019s anticipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forget last-minute experiments. This is not the time for new gels, exotic carbs, or trendy recovery shakes. \u2705 Eat your pre-race breakfast at least once this week to test digestion. The goal isn\u2019t to overeat, but to arrive full of energy, not full of food<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Less is more. If you\u2019re feeling restless, remind yourself: rest is part of training. Every kilometre you don\u2019t run now is one you\u2019ll have energy for on race day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lay out your gear, pin your bib, charge your watch, and go to bed early \u2014 even if you don\u2019t sleep much, lying down and resting counts. Because on race day \u2014 whether you\u2019re starting on the iconic bridge or by the sea \u2014 it\u2019s not just about running.\ud83e\uddd8\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Find Your Calm Before the Start Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your body knows something big is coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That mental rehearsal can make a real difference once the gun goes off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf5d Fuel Smart: What (and When) to Eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stick to what your stomach already knows and loves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Hydrate gradually \u2014 a little extra water and electrolytes every day.
\u2705 Focus on familiar carbs: rice, pasta, bread, potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2640\ufe0f The Final Runs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your training is done \u2014 this week is about sharpening, not adding.
Short, easy runs with a few strides to keep the legs awake will do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcab The Night Before<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
And don\u2019t forget: the real goal isn\u2019t perfection, it\u2019s participation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s about celebrating how far you\u2019ve come, the months of training behind every step, and the pure joy of sharing the road with thousands who feel exactly the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n