advice on running my 1st 5k tomorrow

rachemn

So I've been alternating my workouts in training for this and I've been doing cardio classes at least every other day or on off days (days I don't work, I mean) I run at a 5k. On Tuesdays and Thursday I run for about a 1/2 hour on the track and then take power yoga for an hour.

I don't schedule rest days except when work or life intervene and I have to take one. That happens about once every other week or so.

My question is...I'm a little sore from my workouts this week and I have today off from work. Should I still do a 5k run today to practice and loosen up for tomorrow? Should I do something else for cardio like a bike ride? Or should I lift weights or do crunches or another strength exercise? Maybe I should just focus on my housework and laundry? ARGH!! I'm nervous and I keep changing my mind on what I should do

I could use a little advice please! :ohwell:

Abigaillee15

Whenever I run a 5k in the mornings I have a light breakfast and coffee. Peanut butter toast usually. I would try to hydrate a few hours before the race and make sure you use the bathroom before you go so it doesn't become a distraction during the race! Most importantly don't be nervous. I easily take off 3 or 4 minutes off my time on the treadmill because of the adrenaline! It'll kick in and the race will feel like it's 5 minutes long! Plus I always find someone who has the same pace as me and try to keep up with them. If I pass them, then I find someone faster. Don't let your mind give out before your body does.

Good luck!! Can't wait to hear about it!

Tanyadara

I'm running a 5k race tomorrow too, and trying to get ready for a 12k in 3 weeks! So I was going to take today off but then I was feeling pretty sore from a Bob Harper DVD I did yesterday so I decided to just do a two mile run to strech out and that felt really good:).Usually I think it is best to take a rest day or just do yoga and streching the day before a race. Drink lots of water too:) Good Luck on the race I'm sure you will do great!

Rabid_Hamster

First, Congrats! I ran my first one on St Patrick's day. It was different from what I expected at the finish line.... way more fun!
Drink lots of water today, and make sure you're hydrated before the race. Abigaillee15 has some excellent points. Don't be nervous. I was ecstatic about running my first, of many yet to come. You should be excited. You're doing this for you and should feel good about it. At the end, no one really cares so much about how fast you ran it. It only matters that you did it.
So go out there and tear it up! Let us know how it went. :happy:

LilSomethin

I'd take today off and let your legs rest up for tomm so u are at peak performance. I ran my first 5K last October Eat something light in the morning...I had a banana. Good luck and enjoy

rachemn

Thank you! Great advice! I'll switch from coffee today and start pumping the fluids! LOL! And bathroom before is also great advice...don't want to shake the pee out of me while sprinting for the finish!! :bigsmile:

rachemn

I'd take today off and let your legs rest up for tomm so u are at peak performance. I ran my first 5K last October Eat something light in the morning...I had a banana. Good luck and enjoy

Good advice! I usually start my day with a protien shake so I'll keep that the same. That and my coffee! LOL

BrianSharpe

If you're a little sore take today off.

Get your kit laid out today -less stress tomorrow and get a good night's sleep. Don't start out too fast, try to run the 2nd half faster than the first and have fun. Smile as you cross the finish line for your souvenir photos!

Have fun!

rachemn

I'm running a 5k race tomorrow too, and trying to get ready for a 12k in 3 weeks! So I was going to take today off but then I was feeling pretty sore from a Bob Harper DVD I did yesterday so I decided to just do a two mile run to strech out and that felt really good:).Usually I think it is best to take a rest day or just do yoga and streching the day before a race. Drink lots of water too:) Good Luck on the race I'm sure you will do great!

Maybe I'll try a short run too...even if just too calm my nerves. Good luck to you as well!!

ludgerclay

Considering the training you've been doing, you're far better off to take the day off for recovery. You will definitely not lose any conditioning by taking one day off, and will very likely benefit a great deal with the recovery.
You'll be full of energy tomorrow and do great in the race.

sixisCHANGEDjk

Considering the training you've been doing, you're far better off to take the day off for recovery. You will definitely not lose any conditioning by taking one day off, and will very likely benefit a great deal with the recovery.
You'll be full of energy tomorrow and do great in the race.

^ Listen to him, he ought to know. I'd say take the day off as well. I took 3 or 4 days off prior to my last. You'll be fine. Good luck.

rachemn

Thank you for the advice. I will do that. I had already been rethinking my decision and decided to drink some hot tea and take a nice brisk walk. That should calm my nerves, allow myself to get a little fresh air, but not strain my legs at all.

Definitely want to do my best for my first race!

On that note I switched from coffee today and have been drinking tons of water...really getting my cardio from all my trips to the potty!! LOL

rachemn

Thanks everyone for your support and advice! I ran the race in rain, sleet, snow and wind and still finished in 34.02! My best time yet! Now sitting here with hot packs all over my body trying to warm up! LOL