As every marathon veteran knows, what you eat leading up to the big race is crucial. From two – three days before, your diet should be 85% -95% carbs, to pack muscles with glycogen. But you don't have to overdose on bread and pasta, there are far more tasty ways to keep your carbohydrate- intake up.

Ottolenghi, Islington

What to order:

Basmati rice with lentils, chickpeas, chilli, fried onion, currants, coriander, toasted spices and pistachio nuts

287 Upper Street, London N1 2TZ, 020 7288 1454, ottolenghi.co.uk. Branches in Notting Hill and Mayfair

NOPI Soho

What to order:

Roasted sweet potato, burnt aubergine yoghurt, basil, maple roasted seeds,

Ottolenghi roasted spiced nuts.

21-22 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NE, 020 7494 9584, nopi-restaurant.com

Polpetto, Soho

What to order:

Pink fir potatoes, cuckoo flower Wet polenta LentilsHare papardelle Maple tart 11 Berwick St, London W1F 0PL, 020 7439 8627, polpetto.co.uk

Wahaca Soho

What to order:

Chicken tinga burrito

Winter vegetable burrito

Black bean quesadilla ( but hold the cheese)

80 Wardour Street, London, W1F OTF, 020 7734 0195, wahaca.co.uk

Grain Store, Kings Cross

Photo: Amy Murell

What to order:

Multi grain porridge with dried squid, Aromatic steamed bread of chickpeas and lentils, with banana ketchup, Quinoa granola, American pancakes with maple syrup

Granary Square, 1-3 Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AB , 020 7 324 4455, grainstore.com