Running my first 5K on Sat. Need Advice!

Just have FUN!!! you will love how you feel crossing the finish line

You could do a small run today and a rest or walk tomorrow.
Enjoy your FUN run

It depends on what works for you, and this is why it's a great idea to keep some kind of run journal. If you run two days in a row, is your second run usually better or worse? My second day running is almost always better, so I'll run a slow, easy 5k the day before a race. If it's worse, then do an easy 5k run today and then take tomorrow as a rest day. I probably wouldn't take two rest days in a row before a race, that's just me.

A 5K is pretty manageable without any training or special plan. I did one (run/walk) in August with no training at all except my normal daily walk/runs - my time sucked (although I wasn't last)! I'm doing another one in a couple of weeks.- hope to be under 45 minutes (I know that's high but I still weigh over 250 lbs). My training for this has been walking more and doing some weights (general fitness - not just for the race).

Go out at a steady pace and keep it up as long as you can. Use this as a bench mark for future races - you'll get addicted quickly!

Good luck!

I have nothing to offer as I'm only halfway through training.



Good luck!

For 5ks, not a lot of prep is required. Rest the day before and agreed on not carb loading. I don't like to eat 2 hours before the race and if I do, I have something small, but high in protein....a protein bar or some eggs and a banana. Also, don't drink a lot of water before the race. Either bring a bottle and drink throughout or just have the cups they hand out. I had a better time bringing my own bottle and drinking when I needed to. Start out slow and set a good pace...if you are a new runner, having fun and finishing should be more of a goal than time. That was how it was for me and my first two races...one I did in 34:30 and the other I did in like 35:40.

i'm a novice runner myself, so unfortunately i don't have any tips or recommendations for you. just wanted to stop by and show some support! I've been working on the couch-to-5k program, and i am also running my very first 5k on saturday morning. best of luck to you!! we can do it! :happy:

BUMP, my first 5k is in 2 weeks. I can use this info too :happy:

My brother gave me the best advice. It is (drum roll please):

Don't stop.

And...you can do it. Post your results! Good luck.

I would run nothing more than 2 easy miles tomorrow. Just enough to get the muscles stretched and heart pumping a little. As for today, no speed work or long runs but other than whatever you normally do.

Tips:
Don't start out too fast.
Don't try to "carb-load" tomorrow night, you'll probably end up regretting it and for 3 miles it's unnecessary.
Enjoy it, races are the fun part
Did I mention to not start out too fast?
Don't eat or drink any more or less than you normally do when you run 3 miles. Just do what you normally do and you'll be fine.

this is perfect advice.

Hey MFP Peeps! I joined the site two months ago and life has changed radically! I am so happy to be on this journey with you all.

Saturday morning I'm running my first 5K at the Philadelphia Zoo. I am really looking forward to the race.

Question for all of you who do this running thing routinely... Given that I have two days in between now and my race, what do I do today and tomorrow to prep? Should I try to sneak in a few quick runs? How far should I go? I don't want to get too tired, but don't want to "rest" if I shouldn't be resting. This could be a non-issue I guess, given that 3 miles is a pretty manageable distance!

Separately, other race day tips would be appreciated! Should I try to hydrate a lot before hand? What do I eat? How do I avoid cramps?

Thanks all in advance!

It's a 5Km race which means that you don't need to worry about Tapering or anything drastic. For a 5K, I usually just rest the day before and try to do some non running type of exercise (go for a walk or leisure swim). If I am unfamiliar with the course, I'll go out and bicycle it or walk it the day before.... nothing strenuous but it does help you visualize the race.

General rule of thumb... Go with what you know! This applies especially to longer races. Don't change your routine or try anything your body isn't used to... i.e. if you go to a race expo, avoid trying the products that will upset the balance. If you are used to running in a specific pair of shoes or outfit... wear those shoes or that outfit. Race day is a terrible time to find out that the new shirt\shoes or shorts chafe, or the energy bar you are eating gives you the trots. Go with what you know!

You may also want to avoid getting drawn into someone elses race. I usually recommend people start near the back of the pack (particularly when it is a chip timed race). A couple of reasons include;

1. You avoid trying to keep up with the really fast people and running a pace you can't manage. You'll run out of energy and then your pace will really suffer.

2. You'll spend the first few minutes moving slowly as the race starts... let the crowd thin out before you start expending your energy running. (ie. you spend less energy moving forward than weaving side to side) Why waste energy wading thru that of slow moving people?

3. Psychologically, no one likes being passed. If someone is trying to pass you, you will likely end up running faster than you want (again to a pace you can't maintain). If no one is passing you, you will resist the urge. The best place to start so that no one passes you ... is at the back. You can spend the rest of the race passing others who didn't learn race psychology.

4. Have FUN! If you aren't placing first, second or third... you get the same prize as everyone else. Enjoy the ride and bask in YOUR accomplishment!

Good Luck! Have fun! and if you want more running based advice... I am a coach for the Running Room and experienced in guiding new runners to their goals. Drop me a Friend Request or any Questions you may have.

Cheers!

2) don't drink a lot of water before hand, drink as I run

I don't know if I agree with this one... don't drink a lot of water immediately before the race (unless the feeling of having to pee motivates you to run faster?), but make sure you are well-hydrated in the days leading up to the race (drink a lot of water today and tomorrow). Whether or not you need to drink during the 5k is up to you, I never need to because I'm well-hydrated the day before.

Ok, so try to hit my 8 glass goals in the days before?

When I train, I do WAY better hydrated. I'll even drink some gatorade. It helps me.

I don't have any advice, just want to say good luck!! I can't wait to run one!!!