I'm running a 5K on Saturday! (I have questions!)

slaite1

bbell1985 wrote: »

Though, I haven't heard from him since

I died laughing

Deresha1977

WandaVaughn wrote: »

I've decided to keep to my normal habit and go fasting.

This is only my second ever race- the first one being so long ago. I'm excited! I completed C25K on Good Friday and I've been doing practice 5K runs since. I'm new to running, but I'm addicted to it. :-)

Good luck on Saturday. I did the c25k last year and have been running most weeks since. I did my first parkrun last week and loved it. I run on empty, and have a piece of fruit or a protein shake AFTER. Just don't take it too seriously snd remember to enjoy yourself.

WandaVaughn

Deresha1977 wrote: »

Just don't take it too seriously and remember to enjoy yourself.

Having fun is my plan. The race theme is the 80's. LOL

I know I won't win any prizes. I'm just happy to be well enough to run this year. 2016 was a bust, healthwise-- thyroid issues and a hysterectomy!

BruinsGal_91

WandaVaughn wrote: »

Deresha1977 wrote: »

Just don't take it too seriously and remember to enjoy yourself.

Having fun is my plan. The race theme is the 80's. LOL

I know I won't win any prizes. I'm just happy to be well enough to run this year. 2016 was a bust, healthwise-- thyroid issues and a hysterectomy!

That sounds like serious fun. Hope the shoulder-pads and legwarmers don't hold you back.

pondee629

WandaVaughn wrote: »

I've decided to keep to my normal habit and go fasting.

This is only my second ever race- the first one being so long ago. I'm excited! I completed C25K on Good Friday and I've been doing practice 5K runs since. I'm new to running, but I'm addicted to it. :-)

Be very careful. The 5K, innocent enough by itself, is a gateway race. Before you know it, you're doing 4 and 5 mile races, 10Ks, 10 milers and, gasp, half and full marathons.

I know having done a Half Marathon this past September.

Hi, I'm Frank and I'm a runner ;-)

MeanderingMammal

CornflakeGirl01 wrote: »

It is not a really long race, but you need to fuel before ANY exercise. It is just crucial.

Personally I'm comfortable fasted up to 10-12 miles.

For a 5K threshold run of I had anything beforehand I'd throw up.

bpotts44

Eat like normal Friday, no reason for carb loading on a 5k. Train light friday. I wouldn't eat day of, its only two hours difference. Maybe have a cup of coffee if you drink coffee.

bpotts44

CornflakeGirl01 wrote: »

It is very important to eat 1.5-2 hours before the race. Something light, perhaps banana and peanut butter, a yogurt, or make an overnight oatmeal (there are plenty of recipes on Pinterest). Do not eat anything new the night before. It is not a really long race, but you need to fuel before ANY exercise. It is just crucial. It is just the amount and type of food that is important. Have something that won't weight you down.

I would not recommend any heavy running or exercise on Friday. You could do some walking, stretching, or calisthenics.

Good luck and have fun!

Why do you need to fuel before any exercise? I have trained up to full marathon and have always trained fasted up to 20 miles. I have raced 1/2 marathons with no calories only coffee before and water. Your body has enough glycogen to power you for a long way and training fasted is an excellent way to train your body to burn more fat and less carbs during exercise.

JessM822

As I read these posts I get a little concerned. People that are new to running/cycling, or just fitness are asking honest questions. In return they get a lot of people giving advice that shouldn't be. Some of us run 3.10 miles daily and don't think it's big deal. It's a big deal to the person asking the question. To her it is abig deal. We were all there at one point. Let's not forget that.

julie_broadhead

I just did my first 5K of the year last weekend. Here is what I had for breakfast: 1/2 cup of oatmeal, a medium banana, and 1 tbsp of almond butter. I had this 2 and a half hours before the race and I was fine. It may sound silly, but remember to use the bathroom before your race.

On Friday I did some light Kettlebell training. My last run before the race was Wednesday.

FatMoojor

JessM822 wrote: »

As I read these posts I get a little concerned. People that are new to running/cycling, or just fitness are asking honest questions. In return they get a lot of people giving advice that shouldn't be. Some of us run 3.10 miles daily and don't think it's big deal. It's a big deal to the person asking the question. To her it is abig deal. We were all there at one point. Let's not forget that.

What advice is being given that shouldn't be? The advice that your body is perfectly capable of dealing with the 5k distance without worrying about changing her normal routine? That she doesn't need to be overly concerned with carb loading or any of the myriad of concerns that new runners can get caught up in?

MeanderingMammal

JessM822 wrote: »

As I read these posts I get a little concerned. People that are new to running/cycling, or just fitness are asking honest questions. In return they get a lot of people giving advice that shouldn't be. Some of us run 3.10 miles daily and don't think it's big deal. It's a big deal to the person asking the question. To her it is abig deal. We were all there at one point. Let's not forget that.

The only bad advice I see is the must eat post. That's been challenged.

For a 5K there is no physiological reason to specifically fuel, taper, carb load or do anything unusual. Yes it's a challenge, but the originator can already do the distance. We're not talking first Marathon when one hasn't actually run that far until the day of the race, as most plans are. There is no leap into the unknown.

Yes, the is anticipation, anxiety etc around a first race. The best advice is to relax, enjoy it and not beat yourself up over how it went.

JessM822

Maybe my posts haven't been very clear to some people. In short, don't worry or stress about your 5K. Have a great time and let your training do the work. Your first is always an awesome experience and you'll learn a lot about yourself. Don't feel pressured or unsure. Hit the line and run.

To those select few that took my posts the wrong way. I have more races and longer distances under my belt than 99% of you. I've been through hell and back in some very long distance events. All of my events are documented on top of it all. I will always cheer on a first timer no matter what distance they're going for. When I first started out I remember a lot of the comments that were made towards me or the doubt people had. I know first hand how important having support is.