Need advice for my (first) 5k that I'm running in two days!

believetoachieve

I'm running my very first 5k on Saturday (yaaay!). I'm not new to running, but I've never done a formal/organized race before. It's for charity - prostate cancer (boys, you're welcome!). My questions are these;

1) What should I wear? The weather is supposed to be between -1 and 8 degrees celcius, 25km winds, and not likely to rain/snow. I have tons of athletic/running wear, it's just a matter of picking the appropriate pieces so I won't freeze/boil. I was thinking long pants, some type of shirt, and then a wind breaker? Should my shirt be long sleeved or short? Once I attach the race number to my windbreaker, I won't be able to remove the jacket, so whatever is underneath is gonna have to stay (so I need to make the right choice!). Or should I skip the windbreaker entirely and just go with a running top?

2) There are two massive hills on the route - one up, and one down, each lasting about a 1km. Any tips? I haven't been training on hills, so it'll be tough on me -- I welcome any advice!

3) I've read that it's bad etiquette to wear the race-shirt during the actual race. But packet pickup started today, it's a technical-running shirt, and I have time to wash it. Is it still a "novice"/lame thing to do? :laugh:

4) Anything else I should know? What else should I bring with me? I'll have people at the finish line waiting for me that can carry stuff if need be (an extra shirt maybe? water? food?).

Thanks for all your advice everyone!

scottb81

1. I recommend running shorts and a long sleve shirt. Wear long pants and a jacket and then take them off right before you start and put them back on when you finish. (That only works if the start and finish lie are in the same place) You will probably be too hot if you wear the long pants and jacket in the race.

2. If yu haven't been running a lot of hills then take it easy on the uphill. Walk if you have to but you will get a rest on the downhill side.

3. If you want to wear the shirt then wear it. Some people say it is bad form but at the same time others wear the shirts.

4. Make sure the people at the finish line have something warm you can put on. Most races have food and drink at the finish line so you probably do not need to bring your own.

5. Most importantly - have fun! You'll probably surprise yourself and finish faster than you expect.

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Edited to add . . . A light pair of gloves would probably be good during the run.

believetoachieve

Thanks! I'm wondering if I'll be freezing in shorts though... it's about 30-40 Fahrenheit. I do have running capris I can wear though - a happy medium?

nessieslc

I would go with pants and wear a jacket, but take the jacket off right before you start.

You are welcome to wear the race shirt, I see it all of the time.

concerning the hills just do the best that you can...

Most important have fun!

believetoachieve

:flowerforyou:

believetoachieve

Bump. It's tomorrow, so all advice is welcome!