Running a marathon or a race? 4 mistakes to avoid beforehand

Mistake number 1
EATING TOO MUCH FIBRE
Two to three days before a race, cut back on bran and other high fibre foods and veggies.
Too much fibre can upset digestion and make you feel bloated.
Munch on a banana or if you have the patience, blend a low -fibre smoothie before the race instead.
Mistake number 2
DRINKING ENERGY DRINKS
I'm not a big fan of energy drinks. They are usually loaded with too much sugar in the form of glucose, giving a sugar-rush which we mistake for a genuine energy rush. Well, it is an energy rush only an hour or two later, it will drop to lower than normal and you'll feel fatigued.
Some experts may advise you to drink energy drinks with lower glucose levels. But I think it's best to munch on that banana for slower energy release, and sip water throughout to stay hydrated. Don't gulp water as this can make you feel bloated and sluggish. Not ideal for running.
Mistake number 3
EATING A LOW-CARB DIET
If you do not have enough glycogen energy stores in your muscles, you will feel your energy run out before you finish running your race.
Eat a pasta meal the night before and a light pre-race breakfast (how about that low-fibre smoothis?) to stabilise your blood sugar levels.
Mistake number 4
INDULGING IN LEG MASSAGES
Massages are great... for relaxing! Before a race, massaging may only relax your muscles too much causing you to underperform and miss that 3 hour target for that 50km marathon. Jog for five minutes, stretch gently before the race. And indulge all you want in leg massages after the race as you bask in the glow of your achievement.