A couple useful threads. I especially like Jim24315's advice in the second thread on 5k/8k warmups: http://runningahead.com/forums/post/af3618bfe3194c4eaaf9bc98b8870904#focus http://runningahead.com/forums/post/271b38f8a7d140f99551eb2d02417836#focus

So, Im thinking if it takes me about 3 miles to warm up- do I do a 3 mile warm up prior? With this being my first race ever, I want to be sure I do it right and don't run the risk of hampering myself in any way.

Yes, I did do a search but found nothing to really help me, so yes, I will ask a question that has probably been answered before. What should my warm-up look like tomorrow before the race? It is a 10miler. Thanks!

Don't worry about asking questions that have been asked before. If a question was asked a long time ago there's a big change that many new people haven't seen that thread, so asking it again gives them a chance to either offer advice, or learn from what other new people might say. At least, this is what I think. I like to warm-up before any race because I feel like I'm running stiff if I don't warm-up and stretch a little. I've found that I need less of a warm-up for longer races but for me that works because I'm not running those races at a fast speed. When I run a 5k race I MUST warm up for at least 10-15 minutes. It sounds silly to run that long before a race, but it takes my legs that long to really loosen up and be ready for the constant demand of a fast pace. I've learned the hard way about not warming up.

I would do a nice easy 10 minute jog and then finish it up with 4-5 strides to wake up your legs. At least that's the warmup I do for most of my races.