Go and have fun out there!

“Go and run free, have fun out there! Come back when you are ready, same time, same place!”

These were John Walsh’s jovial and last words to me, back in June, shortly after I came back from the Comrades Marathon in Africa.

And here we are, runners and walkers, same time and same place, all fit and ready to go for another edition of the Malta Marathon tomorrow.

We go back to ‘Staccato’ again and Gabrielle Roth’s Five Rhythms of the Dance.

Why these rhythms?

I’ve been practising these free movements for the past three years now – a simple dance – no rules, no particular techniques, or music.

Nothing but the flow of one’s energy, where energy moves in waves and patterns flow into one’s own rhythm.

These movements help me, personally, go down to the roots of my being and unleash unwanted hidden secrets stored within the soul, letting go of the unwanted but strengthening the positive, giving me clearer direction and focus.

Running is but this – a dance – and tomorrow we shall all be performing our own ‘Staccato’ dance.

The beat is all about getting in touch with our energies and inside passions and expressing them to others.

The goal has been set by all and through discipline and commitment, we have reached the end of one journey and therefore, we shall be doing our utmost, no matter what, to get to that finish line.

Stay calm and put this in mind... tomorrow is just another day. After all, we shall all be doing what we love to do during most of our spare time!

Trusting your training, the body is simply doing what it has been trained to do. Recall the heavy training weeks, the long runs or walks, and the races for those who are involved in competitions.

Pace yourself appropriately. The road is long and hard. Be positive at all times though especially when during the race you find the going somewhat tough when facing adversity.

This is but an opportunity to test yourself to the best of your abilities... therefore good for you.

The victory within will be worth it at the end of the race. Always adopt your own pace, live the moment and, most importantly, enjoy the experience.

Rules to observe

No bicycles, no prams or pets are allowed tomorrow... be safe to yourself and others.

Also, Walkathon participants be aware that there will be 1,400 half marathon runners steaming down from Mdina. They will be coming from behind and many of them at an incredibly fast pace.

So, please do not obstruct them. Move to the side and in Indian file if possible when they start approaching.

Do not remove the chip that you have attached to your numbers.

You will be excluded from the results if it is removed. The chips will be taken off you at the finish line in Sliema.

Also, do not run with someone else’s chip during the race.

Carry and wear your number and chip only.

Good luck to all!