1st - 5K tomorrow - Is there anything special I should do?

SASSYnCHICago

I learned to run last July by doing the C25K app. and tomorrow is my first "official" 5K run (doing the Wacky5 - in case any other Chicagoans are on here

I'm wondering if there is anything I should consider doing today - like extra stretching, eating carbs - not eating too many carbs?? Not exercising at all. I've already walked a mile, and will be walking another on as this is my daily dog walking routine - so nothing out of the ordinary. - Is that good enough?

I was considering doing some lap swimming because my hips & inter (butt) muscles are a bit sore from doing box squats/lunges with weights & a kickboxing class two days ago. Yesterday I did a cardio/ sculpt class and a little bicycling with no resistance, - to help move the blood and reduce the soreness. I still have a little pain/soreness as I think I overstressed the glut muscles.

I'm not too worried about the distance as I run about at least 1 -2 times 5K's a week (inside and outside -depending on the weather) so the 5K distance will be challenging but I know I can do it.

The cold shouldn't be too big of a factor at 30 degrees, but there is the Chicago wind as it is on Lake shore drive. - I plan to dress in layers, wear a head & running gloves. Anything else??

Thanks in advance for any advice.

LilRedRooster

Stick to your training. You'll do best when you go with what you know, because last-minutes changes aren't going to be helpful unless you first know your race routine, which you need to actually go out and do, first.

And have fun!! The first races are always fun. Good luck!

Meggles63

Congrats on your first race! I agree with the other poster that you really don't need to change anything up. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the site and stretch, and you'll be good to go! Congrats!

skadoosh33

Good luck! Let us know how you do.

arc918

Line up at the back of the pack (unless you are really fast), number on the front, chip on your shoe (if applicable) and have fun!

cmeiron

Drink a glass of water as soon as you get up to make sure you're hydrated (but don't drink too much or too close to the race or you'll be sloshy ... either way try to have a pee right before the run, lol!) Plan to have a little something to eat about an hour to 90 minutes before the run (if that's something that works for you). Half a bagel with peanut butter and a banana works well for me. When you get to your race, give yourself 10-15 minutes to walk a bit, jog around a tad, maybe stretch - just warm up. Have fun and good luck!

bluefox9er

You don't need to do anything special that you wouldn't normally do... Just take in the occasion, and have lots and lots of fun!! Please post how you got on :-)

Good luck!

bluefox9er

Oh..try not to finish behind anyone in fancy dress :-)

Cheval13

Pack everything tonight, and don't do anything special! The experience itself is special enough! Otherwise, just treat it like a normal training run. Make sure you've the timing thing attached to your shoes or bib, have your bib pinned to your shirt. Get there early enough to park and warm-up a bit before it's the last minute and you're all nervous... yeah. Just enjoy it!

Kath712

Pack everything tonight, and don't do anything special! The experience itself is special enough! Otherwise, just treat it like a normal training run. Make sure you've the timing thing attached to your shoes or bib, have your bib pinned to your shirt. Get there early enough to park and warm-up a bit before it's the last minute and you're all nervous... yeah. Just enjoy it!

You've gotten lots of good advice here. Only thing I can add is allow time for a potty break before the race, and be prepared for a line. Most importantly, have fun! You'll never forget your first race. :flowerforyou: