My first 5K

Just realize that some days will suck and you will begin to doubt yourself. It happens to all of us, just push through the self doubt, you will be fine.

Ditto. You'll have fun and that's all that matters. Listen to your body and take rest days. I did my first 5K in September and have done 2 more with another one coming up on Thanksgiving, I definitely got addicted after my first run!

Its natural to be nervous before a race, I have done more 5ks than I can count and I still get the nerve when the starter pistol is ready to go off. Just get in your zone and remember three things. First, don't wear anything new the day of the race! Second, crowds are crazy at races, and it's easy to get caught up in the momentum, but set YOUR pace, you'll be happier for it. Third, races are SO MUCH FUN!

I totally agree with everything you just said!

I try to talk myself outta the race every time....Its too early....it might rain.....etc..........but as soon as the pistol goes off I lose all self doubt. The crowd running with you will be so motivating. Everyone (almost) is so polite and encourages each other. I love it!!!!!!!! I am addicted to it!
I haven't got to run much lately due to a knee injury a few months ago, but all it good now and I am doing my first race since March tomorrow. Girls on the Run 5K. I am super pumped. I know that I will not PR but I am just excited to be out there running with the crowd again!

Just remember you are a winner as long as you finish the race.....even IF you have to walk.

Good Luck! and have fun!

It will will be major accomplishment! You won't chicken out. Let us know how it goes

Thanks everyone! This is a major thing on my list of things I want to accomplish and this particular race goes to benefit a friend of mine's daughter who has stage 4 melanoma and her mother died last February from it. Just a major accomplishment if I don't chicken out.

That is so awesome! I'm sure you will do great and just remember that it's not the end of the world if you don't run the whole thing. Plenty of people take breaks during the 5k so run at your own pace and just have a blast.

I've only ran one 5k so far and the advice I can give for specifically race day is; don't psych yourself out. It's just a different route and you've got it down.

I am preparing for my next 5k in December and I've started to incorporate interval training 2-3 times a week. This is going to help me improve my speed so it's what I'm really focusing on this time around.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and go to the bathroom before the race starts, don't eat too soon before the race, but try to give your body some energy. Wear something comfortable that you are used to running in. Don't use a new pair of shoes on the race day, make sure you use your regular, broken in running shoes.

Most of all, have fun! It's such an awesome experience!