First 5K (Read 625 times)

Congratulations on moving right on up the distance ladder. For my first 5k, I worked up to it very similar to what you've done. The day before, I ate normally, and tried to sleep enough. Because I was barely comfortable at running 3 miles, I did almost no warm-up. I wasn't running "hard", so I just warmed up as I ran. Good luck!

Agreed with theyapper66, don't go out too fast with the fast people (it's tempting but hold back) and you'll have a good race. You can run the distance. General rule of thumb I've always been told/told people is that you can take the distance you can comfortably run and double that for a race (if you can run 3 miles without keeling over, you can race 6). The race will give you a lot of adreneline, which will keep you going. As for the night before, just try to rest. Your nerves might be going wild since it's your first 5k, but I've never met anyone who was not nervous before a race (until they've race dozens, and still!). Way back in HS XC I remember reading a Runners World article that said if you can's sleep before a race, act like it. Meaning: get some time in your bed, get 8 hours if you can, just lie there if you have to. Ideally try to sleep but if you can't, at least your legs will be getting the rest they need. So don't freak out :-) For eating, just eat what you'd normally eat, though don't go overboard, you don't need to carb-load for a 5K. Now is also not the time to try eating anything new before the race or even the night before. Eat what you know won't upset your stomach and maybe have a light breakfast if you usually do. Before a 5K, I always eat half a PB&J. Any more and I feel it is too much. Bring the other half for after the race. The morning of the race, strech before you run (assuming you normally strech, which you should) and be sure to walk around a bit afterwards for a good cooldown (which you should always do) and stretch again. You can run a bit before the race if you like, to warm up, but since it's your first 5K and it's not a super crazy distance, you'll be fine just walking around a bit to get the legs loose, and the nerves a bit loose too. You're gonna have a great time. Just remember to enjoy it and you'll be ready for the next one soon. You've already gone just about that distance, so I'm confident you'll have no problems if you keep your cool. ---sorry for the long response, I just downed a large iced coffee to get some motivation for my long run this evening. :-)

Just wanted to wish you and your wife luck at the race! I wish my DH was interested in running. Have fun!