First 5K tomorrow. Any advice?

If you can, pick up your race kit (bib, timing chip etc) today and lay out your gear so that you're not looking for stuff tomorrow (check the weather forecast to see if any changes in gear may be needed). Go to bed a little early tonight and get a good night's sleep.

Unless you expect to run 25 minutes or less stay out of the front corral unless you like footprints on your back (depending on the size of the race and whether or not there is any prize money for elite runners you may find yourself getting jostled if you're in the wrong corral - line up based on expected finishing time, it's good race etiquette)

Nothing new in terms of food, I like to eat about 3 hrs before a race starts (I hate running with food in my stomach). My pre-race breakfast is almost invariably toast with peanut butter (a bagel if I'm doing a half-marathon) some yogurt and an banana. Stick with what you know.

Give yourself extra time tomorrow, there are invariably lineups for the porta-potties (some people seem to think drinking a lot of liquids the morning of a race is a good hydration strategy......it isn't) and you'll want time for a warm up etc before the race starts.

Good luck & remember to smile as you cross the finish line!

Don't need to carbo load.

Eating something you know you can eat the night before you run.

Wear something you have run in before.

Have fun!

^^This exactly!^^ Have you ever seen the episode of The Office when Michael carbo-loads before the 5k race for the cure for rabies? Great episode!

have a small carb filled breakfast, and dont drink too much. I had to stop to pee in my first ever duathalon last weekend!! bladder almost exploded I swear LOL!

Enjoy every moment!

Don't need to carbo load.

Eating something you know you can eat the night before you run.

Wear something you have run in before.

Have fun!

^^This exactly!^^ Have you ever seen the episode of The Office when Michael carbo-loads before the 5k race for the cure for rabies? Great episode!

Yes! Hilarious! lol I'm running my first 5k tomorrow too so this is all great info!

Doing my first 5K in the morning also....so thanks for the post. This one is in my hometown so it wont be a big one. Dont know if that is good or bad. LOL Good luck tomorrow and have fun.

Do not carbo load. its not necessary for a 5k. I was like you when I did my first 5k and it just sounds scary as we have never done them before. Def get a good nights rest and make sure you eat something in the morning so you are not running on an empty stomach. Also have fun and go at your own pace. Not need to rush the experience. You will do fantastic!

I have my first 5K tomorrow as well. I have been told:

* Eat normally....If you look back at your diary, eat a meal that you know you had a good workout the following day.
* Plenty of water. Even before the run drink 20 ounces in the time before. (my race is at 8:30 a.m. so I'll likely get up around 6:30 a.m, eat a small meal and drink a bottle of water)
* Not to do anything to strenuous work-out wise the night before. (tonight, I will just have a nice walk with my 5-year old son)
* Don't try to keep up with the front pack. (I run alone most of the time, so I'm nervous about getting caught up in a group that may be faster than I normally run) They say to stay at your usual pace or even less at the beginng and try to step up the last half and finish strong.
* Good Luck Girl!! Most of all HAVE FUN! )) (hope this helps)

I ran my first 5k last month and really enjoyed it, although I was really nervous the night before. There was no need - it was great fun running with lots of like-minded people and you get such a buzz when you cross the finish line! I'm already signed up for another race. Hope your run goes well and as others said don't push yourself too fast in the beginning, let the speedy ones overtake and then just settle into your own pace. Good luck.

Lots of great advice! I made a mistake in my first half, I put on a sleeveless shirt and I paid for it for a whole week (chaffing).

I know it’s been said before, but start slow. I’m a walk/runner too (right now) and I always start at the back. The “rush” is much slower in the back so it’s easy to keep the pace down a little. I was told that if you think you’re going at a good pace, you’re going to fast.

Mostly have fun and smile for the cameras!

Start fast, middle fast, finish fast xD

The big thing is to run at your own pace! Don't get caught up in anyone elses pace. The big thing on your 1st Run is to just finish.
On your future races you just try to better your previous time. However, if the course isn't the same as the 1st run you have to take that into consideration. Again, the big thing is just consentate on your own normal pace, don't pay attention to what someone else is doing!!!!!

Best of luck, Add me to your friend list and let me know how you do!!!!!!

Basil

Great for you deciding to do a 5k! I love doing them! You don't really need to carb-load for a 5k, just like you said stay hydrated which you already did. I would say just try to keep a steady pace and don't get discouraged by people passing you - it IS your first 5k after all! If people passing you would discourage you, then start out at the back so you don't have to see everyone going by. But if it doesn't, I'd start in front because the excitement of it is kind of fun. You'll probably end up toward the back with other beginners/walkers. Don't worry, you won't be the only beginner or walker! There are always quite a few of them and most people are very supportive in 5ks. They won't be looking at you thinking "What is this girl doing here?" they are more likely to be thinking "Good for her making a change in her life." At least that's what I'm thinking! I hope you enjoy it and have an awesome experience!!

first thing's first, have fun!! are you doing it alone or with a friend?
it doesn't matter if you're at the front of the line or at the back, just go at a pace that is good for you and enjoy it!
you're gonna love it!

lots of great advice - thanks for sharing!