First 5K 5 days away....

Collinsclan22

My first official 5K is this Saturday the 9th....
While I've run the distance numerous times on the track at the Y, and around my neighborhood, for some reason I am REALLY nervous.
I ran it this morning in 33 minutes (my average). I plan on running it again tomorrow, taking a step class on Wednesday, running it on Thursday, and completely resting on Friday. My husband suggested pasta for dinner Friday night. Does all this sound like the right way to prepare during race week?
I think I'm most concerned about race morning. The race starts at 8 and it will take me about 25 minutes to get there. I know I should arrive about 7. I should eat a light breakfast - banana and a piece of toast? Should I skip my coffee on that day (even though I usually have it on the mornings I run - simply because I'll be running a full hour before I normally hit the track).
Sorry for all the questions - I am just so nervous and excited at the same time and I want to make sure I've covered all my bases!
Thanks for any advice in advance!

brandyk77

a few things

-eat a well balanced dinner the night before..something you normally eat. Pasta NOT required

-get there at least an hour before hand - do a light jog to warm up at least 45 min before

-do a few strides 10 min before to get your cardio and legs ready to go

-light breakfast should be fine

-do a 1-2 mile run the day before super easy

- I would skip the step class personally

momof3and3

I would skip the run on thurdsay also...just go out and do an easy 1.5 miles...Step class is ok, as long as you don't go full out...you don't want sore muscles...

Night before, eat a normal dinner...you are only running for a short time, so you don't need to worry about carb loading.

Morning of, eat what you would normally eat prior to a run...if you usually have coffee, go for it...I drink coffee before all my runs and races...just give it time to digest, at least an hour or 2 before the race...stick with what your stomach knows, race day is not the time to eat anything that you haven't done before...

Warm up prior to race...jog easy about 10 mins before to warm up...

Place yourself in the middle of the pack at the start line, that way you din't get trampled but aren't stuck behind the walkers...

Try and start slower than you think...nerves and excitment take over and most people run way to fast at the start...you can then kick up your pace for the last mile or so...

Most of all...go out and have fun! Run like the wind...you got this and have been training for it, so just enjoy!

DG_Allen

Someone posted this thread and it's got some really good advice. Used a lot of it for my 2nd 5K last month.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race

Collinsclan22

Thanks, y'all. This is exactly the kind of advice I need!