Let's get it started!

Here we go. Want to know the biggest difference between us and other (let's call them "normal") people? They begin to exercise and can't wait to get it over with; get it finished. We think of tomorrow's race and can't wait to get started!

At registration, I met a couple of young Maltese females about to embark on their first full marathon, so if this is your first marathon (or half marathon), you are about to learn something very important.

Over the years, I have heard so many people say they would like to run the half marathon. Yet, they seem unwilling to get up the next morning and make the commitment to really go after it, to really accomplish that goal.

Maybe they haven't realised there is a difference between interest and accomplishment.

People say they are interested, but if they are not on the startline tomorrow, so far it's just been talk. Those seeking genuine accomplishment understand that it must be earned through untold miles of preparation leading inexorably to the race startline.

No Maltese runners earn a living just by running, but tomorrow each of you can learn about living just by running. In the time between starting pistol and finishing-tape, each runner will discover infinitely more about themselves than they ever knew before: everything from excitement, endurance, suffering to final deliverance.

Cross the finish line tomorrow and each of you will have become exceptional. Think about it... 500 Maltese runners from a nation of 400,000. That will make each of you a rather rare one-in-800. Yet, note that becoming exceptional only reveals how much further you can still go.

By now you all know that the endurance to run tomorrow did not come without discipline, personal commitment and plain old hard work. Just think how much better, greener, more productive our country could be if everyone in it was able to commit, do and stick to their chosen task as you all have.

A number of times I have been asked this week how best to run the race. Is it best to divide the target time by 21 so as to get a target split for each kilometre?

Since the terrain changes so much, dropping steadily for the first 13km, then going slightly uphill (towards the 16km mark near Portes des Bombes), then dropping and staying at sea-level from Sa Maison to the finish, it should be obvious that not all kilometre splits can be the same.

By the 13km mark, one might be slightly ahead of target pace due to the net downhill, yet understand that that time "credit", those seconds in hand, must be repaid in the final miles as the route becomes more flat.

Don't sweat the details about a few seconds per kilometre here or there. The safest race strategy is to run the first 16-18k using a cautious, disciplined head.

Do not race off on an emotional high because the gun has gone at last after all this waiting.

If the major part of the race is best run with your head, in the final 5km use your heart. Use your spirit to drive your body onwards.

Begin to pass those who were over-impetuous at the start and what you will soon realise is that when spirit "increases" physical performance improves as a consequence.

So, when the gun goes, remember: first with the head, then with the heart.

Tomorrow is the real thing. Less than 24 hours till the gun goes and now comes the part many people find to be the most difficult: the waiting.

You are (or should be if you tapered right) more rested than usual. Your legs are (or should be if you stocked up on enough carbos) more full of muscle glycogen than they usually are on a typical Saturday. You are physically ready. But it is not always the best physically prepared who performs best, otherwise we would simply give the winner's medal to the one with the fastest time.

Now you need to become mentally prepared: a fine line best described as excited but calm. Take care of the details; packed bag, race number, fuel in the car, all that stuff. Don't forget the alarm for early light breakfast. And then do that hardest thing: just wait.

By the way, research shows that the amount of sleep the night before the race is not that vital so if you have trouble dropping off, don't let it bother you, you'll be fine. Just lie there calmly; trust me, morning will come.

The MMOC would like to take this last opportunity to wish all runners every success in tomorrow's events.

Cyclists

The MMOC have no problem with cyclists following the runners tomorrow, so long as they do not disrupt any runners in any way. If in doubt, move away.

See you on the startline.

johnwalsh42195@yahoo.it