URGH, injuries.

I feared the weeks of pounding the pavement were beginning to catch up with me on Sunday morning, when after a long Saturday run, I woke with knees and ankles aching.

Cue a Google for ‘anti-inflammatory’ foods and a couple of days’ rest and I hope to have shaken the aches off.

My nine-mile run on Wednesday with Endurance UK’s Brian New tested that out.

With my first training race, the Blackpool half marathon, less than 10 days away, I’ve started to consider the mental preparation – confidence in having done the distance, etc.

Louise Blizzard, a former UK Marathon Championship team title-winner, believes this side of training for a 26.2-mile race is often neglected.

“No matter what level you compete at, a good mental strategy is key to keeping a ‘marathon wobble’ at bay,” she explained.

“Take away any negative thoughts with things you can’t influence like the weather or getting bogged down by crowds at the start.”

She says visualisation can be key.

“Paula Radcliffe famously chanted Isla, the name of her daughter, to herself during the tough parts of her record-breaking marathons,” added mum-of-one Blizzard.

“Visualisation techniques are a valuable weapon for any marathon runner – imagine a favourite photo of family or a loved one, commit it to memory and think of the emotions it evokes.

“While thinking of the image think of a keyword, maybe a name or location the picture was taken, use this trigger word to evoke the memory during the race.”

And positivity is key.

“Never focus on the length of the race or what is to come,” said Blizzard. “Think positively at all times.

“Break the race down into chunks; four 10k runs and a two-mile run. Focus solely on the mile you are on and mentally check off each marker.

“When I raced London last year, I got to half way in 1.28 and then thought to myself I was just starting a half marathon race. It was all positive thinking and I managed to run 2.58.

“Even with three miles to go, I visualised ParkRun and put myself running round that.”

I WANT to hear from others in Warrington who are running a marathon or endurance event this year. How is your training going?

You can let me know at alex.bysouth@nqnw.co.uk