Nice stability in training in the last few months? Or not so much? It doesn't matter, there's not much left to gain in such a short time... except fatigue!

—> So I keep the plan similar to my usual routine while reducing the volume and speed or intensity sessions.

—> 2 weeks before the competition, it's my very last chance to do a tough intensity workout (interval type for example) and again, nothing that I haven't done before, and nothing that will plunge me into significant fatigue.

—> In the last week, it is good to still do some speed variation, but at only a fraction of the usual volume. No full interval sessions, just enough to wake up a more dynamic stride. Absolutely no accumulation of fatigue allowed at this point!

—> Marathon? My longest run should have been about 6 weeks before the competition. At 2 weeks, I only have one more "long run" left for a formality, not too long.

Or the art of having everything prepared in advance so as to have nothing to prepare on race day!

—> This is the time to plan everything that can be planned regarding the day (weekend) of the race. I don't want to have to think on that day. What do I have for lunch? What time do I leave home/hotel? Where are the parking lots, shuttles, bib pick-ups, etc.

—> For Olympic athletes, this is the “autopilot” phase. No decisions to make in the last week! We simply follow what was decided a long time ago. Unforeseen events? It’s amazing how easy it is to handle unforeseen events when everything else is well organized!

This is where I have something to gain from “pushing myself a little harder” as I approach my competition!

—> Sleep! It's a top priority! Hey, I should turn off all my screens earlier in the evening!

—> Nutrition! Maybe cut down on my bad habits (alcohol, junk food, etc.). Those candies will still be there after my challenge if I want to treat myself to a reward. As for diet, each person is unique and could benefit from seeing a professional in the field. But not 2 weeks before your goal! However, 2 basic rules: 1) ensure a sufficient caloric intake - running is a very energy-intensive sport! and 2) do not try a drastically new or different approach to our winning habits.

—> Stress! This one is not always easy, because I am not at the point of quitting my job and my children to improve my race result :) I could still take the time to talk to those around me, tell them that this goal is important to me and that my absence (physical or mental!) is temporary.