There’s many lessons to be taken from running that can be applied to various aspects of your life. Overcoming adversity, pushing through when things get tough and all that karmic stuff that might, one day, make me a better person. But that’s not what this post is about. Thanks to lessons learnt running, I can party a lot harder than I previously thought.

Preparing for a big night out is a lot like preparing for a race. As I type this I’m woking my way through a couple of litres of water. Yes, hydration is key both pre and post race/party. So before you reach for the vodka, reach for the water earlier in the day and you’ll feel significantly less rotten the next day.

As any runner knows, shoe choice is critical. Taking into account the terrain, distance and time on your feet that your event will involve should all inform your choice of shoe. And only rookies wear a brand new shoe for an event – shoes need a fair few miles in them first before they can be let loose on big occasions. Do you need heel cushioning? Is there a danger of blisters? Will Vaseline help? If all else fails though, you can always go barefoot.

Your fueling strategy will probably be informed by a long process of trial and error. What sits well on your stomach, and what can’t you stand? Years of experience tells me that Lucozade gels and tequilla are made by the same combination of evil and pain. But I now know that a rum and coke every five miles will see that I cross the finish line and get that medal round my neck. That and a big meal beforehand!

Then there’s pain. A certain amount of pain has to be endured to make it to the finish line as a champion. You feet will burn from pounding the dancefloor, you’ll be tired and you’ll want to give up, sit down, go to sleep. Take it from someone who has curled up in a ball and slept in nightclubs in both Amsterdam and Ireland: sleep is the enemy and will only lead to bad times – specifically, things being stolen from you.

When it comes to running, the marathon is as far as I’ve got to date. But when it comes to having a good time, I’m an ultra athlete. Four days back to back drinking? Not a problem. Getting up for work every morning and putting in a good day’s work without napping/vomitting/being breathalised? You bet your bum. Thanks to running I can party like an Olympian – and always pass the urine test.

Britons: there’s a four-day weekend ahead of us, and another next weekend. Think like an ultra runner, own that weekend and push on until dawn. Your Queen expects.