Evening Races (Read 111 times)

I don't usually eat anything substantial within 3-4 hours of a 5K; I run them hard and my lungs need all the room they can get to expand fully for maximum O2 uptake. So my stomach has to be completely empty. Since it's only 5K, you will not be in any danger of running out of gas during the race, especially since you've had lunch. I find  I tend to run much better in the evening and my 5K PR last year by 20+ seconds was at an evening race. To me a well-run 5K is hard,  but it doesn't hurt any more than I make it hurt. You are in full control of how hard you run it. It will never hurt anymore than you make it, and you can throttle back at any time you want. Sometime just knowing that is enough to help you keep going at full speed for just a little longer.

I do a few evening races. Generally I will have a snack 2-3 hours out and hope like hell there is food around afterwards.

You're an experienced runner so I'm sure you'll make wise choices. If the 5k doesn't hurt then you weren't doing it right!

Good Luck!

I decided to eat some Fig Newtons about 1.5 hours out from the race.  I was okay.  I felt it a little but not bad.  But, since the guy running next to me puked at Mile 2 and Mile 2.5, I think meal timing might be an issue for some.  (Yes, I'm upset he caught up with me after puking).

The other thing I noticed was that my shoes were bothering me.  I'm guessing my feet were more swollen later in the day than earlier.  So, I kept fiddling with my lock laces but they never quite felt comfortable.

Final thing was sunglasses vs. no sunglasses.  I wore mine but towards the end of the race, I think they made things too dark.  I put them on my visor (I usually wear both) but I could have done without them all together.  Well, except for bugs.  I like sunglasses to block bugs flying into my eyes.

Thanks for the tips and advice!

Yeah, I don't think it helped me.  I think I was just hungry.    I'll have a bigger lunch next time...  I should have packed my lunch.  I ended up having the "protein pack" meal from Starbucks which is just some soda-type bread, peanut butter, an egg, some cheese, some fruit - not enough food.

Congrats on the fast time last week.  I've had good race results at night, too.  (Set a PR last night).  I wonder if it's because the body is sharper later in the day?

Eating 90 minutes before probably did not hurt you but may not have helped especially for a 5K. The closer you get to the race and eating the more you risk feeling sluggish. If you are going to wait to 90 minutes before, I would eat a gel. You are at a point where your blood sugar should stabilize in time for the gun.  2 hours is minimum for me but I prefer 3 hours before and generally very light or gels as they digest so easy. I did a 5K last Friday at night and ate lunch (not too heavy) at 12:30pm and race was 6:00pm. I felt phenomenal, light on my feet and ran fastest 5K in 5 years. I still can't believe it as my miles are down this year, no tempo or speed work because of hammy issues, very slow long runs on weekends because of snow/rain.......I honestly cannot make sense of it. Maybe it was the night run????

I don't usually eat anything substantial within 3-4 hours of a 5K;

+1 to that.  Eating anything prior to a 5K would usually only be detrimental.  The body has plenty of stored energy for a 5K.   Just need to make certain you don't eat anything a few hours before. :-)  Maybe a cup of coffee about 1.5 hours before the race, that'll provide some nice energy for the race.  (But only if you like coffeee ).