First 5K Coming Up...What Do I Need To Know??

Have fun that is the most important thing to remember. Always never try anything new or wear anything new on race day go with what works as far as food and clothing nothing worse than rubs and blisters or upset GI because of new items.

Number goes on the front, not the back.


Get a good night's sleep two nights before the race.


Have a fun time!

Mine is in 2.5 weeks also! And my only goal is to finish in under 40 minutes. Other than that I'm just plan enjoying the run. Good Luck!!

Don't try anything new, don't line up near the front unless you plan on winning, move to the side if you walk, and have fun! If you run with an ipod, take the earbuds off and soak up the atmosphere at the start. Good luck!

1) Don't wear or try anything new
2) Eat/Drink whatever you normally do for a training run
3) Have fun!
4) Line yourself up in the starting line according to your pace - fast in the front, slower in the back.
5) If you need to walk during the race, move to the right. You will get run over or hurt someone if you stop in the middle
6) Use the bathroom before you get to the starting line.
7) Get ready to get the race bug - once you do one, you'll want to sign up for another

Perfect!! ESPECIALLY #7!! I just did my 1st on the 12th and I've already gone through the calendar for the next few months and I can race every other weekend for the next 2 to 3 months, and do 2 "virtual " ones, if I choose! lol

I might also add
8) Show up early enough to make sure you know where to park, register, get your bib, warm up, calm your nerves etc.
9) Don't get intimidated by the "professionalism" of others. Stick to your plan and abilities. (but still pick up pointers!)
10) If you use music/running app, make sure they are keyed up and ready to go, so when the race starts, they do! (I was unprepared, and was running & trying to get them keyed up!) I ran a good part of the way with only 1 earbud in, & other people encouraging each other helped me, too. (I train solo, and was there solo)

And...
11) Be prepared for emotions at the end of the race. After my race, I had to walk away from people to compose myself for a few minutes because of the tears. I don't know about you, but for a prior non-athletic person like me - I only started running in July! - this was a huge goal for me, so to accomplish it, well...very emotional!

Be proud of yourself! Keep running and you can do this!!!!!!!!! Let us know how you did.

Preregister the day before if you can, get there early and stick to your routine, not what others are doing.

Have fun....and start slow

Oh yeah....start slow

Have fun and start slow. Save the adrenaline rush for the end.

The toilet one is important, as is arriving early! Try to pick up what you can the day before, if possible. And DON'T wear the race tshirt to the race itself. Apparently that's a rookie mistake *looks ashamed*.

One thing I read when I was preparing for my first that I followed on the day was to deliberately run the first mile slow - the adrenaline and everyone running around you will make you want to speed up! Then run the second mile (there are mile markers) at a more medium speed. Then when you get to the third mile - go for it. One strategy in the last mile is to choose someone ahead of you and try to reel them in!

Remember that the competition is only with yourself. You are running for you, not to beat everyone else.