Forums >Racing>Race day strategy
Think this post lacked some important details. What goals have you accomplished and where are you trying to get? What are you trying to run over what distance? And what have you been doing?
Fall 2013 Goals: Doable sub 22:00 5k; Challenging Sub 21:00 5k; Unlikely Sub 20:00 5k.
The Limping Jogger
A Hal Higdon training schedule, by way of example, suggests two days rest before a goal 5k. Personally, for a Sunday 5k, I'll take Friday off and run very easy on Saturday. A lot depend on you current weekly volume.
If you are new to racing, it's a good idea to practice your race day routine. That means getting up at the appropriate hour, eating and drinking what you plan for race day and then running at race time. As always, never try something new on race day... or the days before. I typically have oatmeal and coffee 2 or so hours before the race (depends on where the race is located). I'd then have a banana an hour before. I make sure I hydrate throughout the week and not overload on race morning (you'll be in the PoJ every 5 mins).
I've noticed that my WU has become more important the faster my 5k times have become. My best 5k times have come when I've done a 1-2 mile WU and some strides close to the start of the race. Try to do a 1 -2 mile CD after the race to aid recovery.
"Only a few more laps to go and then the action will begin, unless this is the action, which it is."
I think you have an good chance of achieving your goal. You have already gone under 10:00 per mile for almost the 5k distance. You need to run 9:39 pace on race day. The adrenaline of running the race should help you as long as you don't go crazy and run the first mile too fast. If you have a GPS watch or the race has a timer at the mile marker I would look at your time to get an idea of where you are in terms of pace.
Also know the weather and the course can have a big effect on your race. If it's super hot or hilly it could slow down.