Signed up for first 5K, questions about training

tooliebell
tooliebell Posts: 177 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
After almost being on this journey of getting fit for a year, I have decided to sign up for my first 5k. In the past year, I have run here and there but was so focused on the scale that when I saw an increase the weeks I ran, I would ditch that as part of my exercise routine. Now I'm more interested in setting this goal of running a 5k rather than what my scale says. I have been running every other day for about 2 weeks now. I didn't do the C25K program because I was already running here and there and didn't need to start from scratch.

I was so excited the other day, because I thought I ran a 5k route and did it in under 30 minutes. But when I got in my car to see what the mileage was is was only 2.8 miles. What I have been doing is running a 2 mile route most days, and then once a week getting in 2.7 to 2.8 miles.

My question, with the race about 3 weeks away, should I be doing more of the longer runs and less of the shorter runs? And if you run on pavement and on dirt, do you find your pace is very different on each surface? I swear my mile on the pavement is much quicker than the mile on the dirt!! Sunday, I did my 2 mile route in 19:40, I was so happy! I'm hoping to get my first 5k in under 30, but not quite sure I can make that goal. Also, what kind of preparation should I do in the days leading up to the race. I understand it isn't a big long race, but are there things I should eat that morning or the day before? Should I drink a lot or a little of water prior to the race?

Replies

  • HappyElizabeth
    HappyElizabeth Posts: 231 Member
    Bump! I'm interested in this too. I can't give advice, I just finished C25k, and am now doing the 10k app. I am running every other day and doing 10 minute miles consistently. I have a GPS watch, which seems to be fairly accurate. My first 5k is in about 2 weeks, and I have no idea how to prep myself for it (now that I know I am capable of doing it).
    Ok - one bit of "advice." If the 5k you are in has a website, they probably have a course map, which might be a good thing to practice on at least one time before the race.
  • tzur21
    tzur21 Posts: 29
    What you do on race day should mirror what you do at home before your runs. So for me I always do my longer more serious runs on the weekend. So the night before I eat slightly more carbs, don't have any alcohol, drink a bit more water. Then the morning of my run I eat exactly the same thing anywhere from 1-2 hours before I run. I eat one slice of white bread w/ Peanut butter, or one poptart, and coffee, to get the system going!
  • arl1286
    arl1286 Posts: 276 Member
    Gradually increase one of your weekly runs so that it's longer than the rest! The key, though, is variety. Run different routes that are different distances. Try to run a little faster on the shorter ones, and slow your pace for the longer ones.
  • nirvi9
    nirvi9 Posts: 34
    What you do on race day should mirror what you do at home before your runs. So for me I always do my longer more serious runs on the weekend. So the night before I eat slightly more carbs, don't have any alcohol, drink a bit more water. Then the morning of my run I eat exactly the same thing anywhere from 1-2 hours before I run. I eat one slice of white bread w/ Peanut butter, or one poptart, and coffee, to get the system going!

    This. It's a short enough race that you shouldn't have to do anything particular the day before/morning of :)

    In terms runs you should be doing, sounds like you've been running fairly consistently as it is. I'd suggest keep doing your 2 mile runs, and gradually increase the distance of one run a week so that you work up to (or beyond) a 5k

    Good luck for your race!

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