After a week of recovery my training picked up again with The Canberra Times Fun Run just a week away. I can't wait to get back down to the nation's capital on September 7 to lead the Westpac Warm Up, fire the start gun for the 14km race, and also run alongside other fun runners on the day.

I do my best to prepare for each and every City2 event and while I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm an experienced long distance runner, I have definitely picked up a few hints and tips along the way!

Here are my top 10 tips for a successful run come September 7:

1) Take a balanced approach to training

Training for all City2 events was a big commitment, and it was important to me that I reached my fitness goals without having to sacrifice my work and social commitments. I've had help from a personal trainer who's given me the knowledge and the tools to take a balanced approached to reaching my goals. I am realistic about my schedule and don't beat myself up if life gets in the way of a training session.

2) Don't let those winter mornings (or that warm bed) get the better of you

Sticking to a program is so important when training for a running event and I find it to be the best way to ensure improvement with each event. My days are busy so my runs need to happen before the sun comes up. Like most people, I find jumping out of a warm bed is one of the most difficult parts of training. I experienced a freezing cold Canberra morning first-hand on a recent visit – so I'm sure you're with me here! One of my best strategies is to prepare my running gear the night before. That way, I can jump out of bed, throw on my gear, put my headphones in and run out the door before logic sets in!

3) Run with a friend

Despite the weather, I have found running with a friend is another way to stay committed. Sharing the experience with someone else somehow seems to take a bit of the pain out of training and reaching goals together is really rewarding.

4) Use music to motivate you

Music plays a huge role in my training and on my early morning runs it's usually Beyonce who gets me through! I have been using Westpac SongFit, which is a bespoke fitness application with a huge variety of songs to keep you pumped up while running, I find music such a great motivator to push me just that little bit further.

5) Eat breakfast (always)

I am a big believer in the age old saying that breakfast it is the most important meal of the day. When I skip breakfast I can really tell the difference. I lack energy and always end up eating more later in the day – those 3pm sugar cravings hit harder than ever! A healthy breakfast gives me the fuel I need to train harder, and keeps me fuller for longer.

6) Refuel on the good stuff

I see every meal as an opportunity to nourish my body and refuelling on good, wholesome foods is even more important in the lead up to a race. Over the past three months my training and quantity of running has increased dramatically, and what I have really noticed is the effect eating well has on my recovery time. I've been overloading on wholesome, organic foods and making sure my carbohydrate intake is substantial so I make it through those gruelling workouts and – more importantly – make sure my training doesn't negatively affect other areas of my life.

7) Stretch, stretch, stretch

I must admit, historically I have been a bit slack in this department, but since picking up my training I have found that stretching can make the difference between a good and a great run. These days, stretching (before and after) is the most important part of my workout. It aids recovery and feels like such a reward for tired, tight legs especially. I'll be leading the Westpac Warm Up at The Canberra Times Fun Run start line and making sure everyone is stretched and getting the blood pumping ready to race!

8) Don't overdo it

The best piece of advice my trainer has given me is about the importance of letting your body recover. It's so important to listen to your body and know when it's had enough. By running in all three City2 events, coupled with my training for The Canberra Times Fun Run, I now understand the importance of recovery days – giving your body the chance to recuperate keeps you in peak condition and ready for the next big work out. On recovery days I like to keep moving with at least 30 minutes of low impact, non-strenuous exercise. Generally, I take my dog Axel for a walk or do a yoga class. Stretching and taking care of your muscles goes a long way in improving performance on race day.

9) Get your shut eye

Don't under estimate the power of a good night's sleep! Getting a good eight hours sleep each night will not only improve performance, but it will keep you feeling on top of your game. So rest up – especially the night before the big race on September 7.

10) Have fun!

It's called a Fun Run for a reason! Make sure you have fun on the day, celebrate your achievements and be proud of crossing that finish line! There's no better feeling!

It's not too late to enter The Canberra Times Fun Run: canberratimesfunrun.com.au