Gilly1

Australia’s leading marathon will take place this weekend in the Sunshine state. The Gold Coast Marathon, now in its 37th year, was the first road race within Australia to hold an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label. With its scenic routes, competitors will be running along some of the most beautiful beaches the world has to offer.

The marathon, dubbed as the "Run for Charity", aims to raise money and awareness for Cancer Council Queensland.

Cricketing legend and Australia’s favourite glovesman, Adam Gilchrist, will be running the course for the first time as part of Team Suncorp Bank and will be helping CCQ beat last year’s fundraising figure of $83,993.

Gilly is passionate about supporting CCQ, who help more than 25,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year. In preparation for this year’s event, Gilchrist has trained exceptionally hard for the marathon, seeking those who the Cancer Council assists as a source of inspiration.

"Because I’m running for the Queensland Cancer Council, my motivation has come from all the brave and wonderful people battling skin cancer," he said.

Gilchrist etched himself into Australian sporting folklore throughout his career. His ability to excel even in the most pressured situation and lead his team to victory was key to the Australian cricket side’s success. Winner of three successive ICC World Cups and more than a few Ashes wins, Gilly understands and knows how to achieve success.

Whilst training for the event, Gilchrist crafted a list to help his fellow runners maintain mental fitness on race day.

1 - POSITIVITY

“If there's one thing I learnt throughout my cricketing career, it was to remain positive at all times. Staying positive goes a long way towards lifting morale, maintaining motivation and getting you in the right mindset to finish the task at hand. For me, the best way to build positivity was to set realistic goals and engage in ways that increase your confidence. This can be as simple as surrounding yourself with supportive people, or entering low-key events before the big day.”

2 - BE PREPARED

“I have found that mental and physical preparations are key in delivering a good performance. Physical preparation comes by following a well-rounded training program, while also listening to your body's needs and limitations. Incorporating a “mental training” aspect into your physical training is also important to ensure you overcome any obstacles thrown your way, whether that be overcoming the distraction of crowds, weather conditions or other competitors.

3 - GET MOTIVATED

“Motivation can come in all shapes and forms; music, posters, quotes, family or friends. Their stories have fuelled me to battle through injury, and continue training to get the best results possible.”

4 - VISUALISATION

“Visualisation is a great tool for reinforcing a positive mindset. Running through the marathon in my head, much like rehearsing a pitch, or the swing of my bat, has really helped me to focus on each phase of the race. Visualising your path and the various changes in your body as you go through the race will allow you to relax and focus on your end goal.”

Gilly2

It is expected that Gilchrist will run the race in the same fashion he performed at the crease and behind the wicket. This marathon will go down with some of his favourite highlights throughout his career, just like the time he bashed the "old rival" and Freddie Flintoff around the WACA in the 2006/07 Ashes series, scoring 100 off just 57 balls, which at the time was the second-fastest century of all time.

The 2015 Gold Coast marathon will be held on July 4-5.

On behalf of Inside Sport, good luck to all and let’s get behind this great cause and beat cancer!