Running my first 5K, any tips?

JustQue
JustQue Posts: 157
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello everyone. I was a part of a biggest loser challenge at work and we had to make a fitness goal and mine was to run a 5k. The challenge is ending soon and it's time for me to put my money where my mouth is. I've been doing the couch to 5k program in preparation and the race will be on October 16th. For those of you who are experienced runners or anyone who has ran a 5k before can you please give me any tips. For instance how should I prepare the week leading up to it? What to eat before the race? How much water should I drink? I know it's not a long race but I want to be prepared. Thanks Q

Replies

  • mimilareaux
    mimilareaux Posts: 1
    I just ran my first 5K a few weeks ago... Drink a ton of water the day before, and I would recommend to eat pretty light on the day of the actual race. Also, bananas help for the leg cramps as well.

    Good Luck!
  • bstamps12
    bstamps12 Posts: 1,184
    Read this thread:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race

    Great info on there & Good luck to you!!
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    Have a finish goal - not a time goal. Carry your own water sometimes races don't have water for 5K's so take some with you in case it's needed. Do not over dress, it's better to be cool waiting for the race to start then to get too hot running it.
  • TheDrBuchanan
    TheDrBuchanan Posts: 89 Member
    In the week leading up to it, get plenty of sleep. Do some runs, but give yourself two days 'off' before race day.

    On race day, eat light. I did well with coffee, yogurt, and banana.

    Don't change anything else about your runs.

    Congratulations! I just ran my first 5K this summer, too. Crossing that finish line for the first time is a great feeling!
  • RTricia
    RTricia Posts: 720
    HAVE FUN AND ENJOY!!!!

    You will do awesome!!
  • HungryMom
    HungryMom Posts: 280
    My 1st one is this Saturday so I am reading the responses also. Best wishes for a fun race!
  • Stripycat
    Stripycat Posts: 58 Member
    First of all, well done. I hope you're enjoying running, because if you're anything like me, it'll become a great part of your life and your best mate in keeping weight off and improving your general wellbeing.

    I am a runner who's fallen in love and broken up with running several times over the last 20 years. I'm currently running roughly 10k 2 or 3 times a week, and i've lost 35lbs since Feb this time round, starting from scratch.

    The first time I did a 5k fun run (5years ago), I made sure that I was already able to run the distance at least a week ahead, and focussed purely on completing the route running, regardless of the time I did it in.

    Food and rest wise, I didn't gorge, I didn't stuff, but I ate well (I'm a veggy), and I do remember not sleeping the night before because I was so worried about what the route would be like and whether I could do it! SO, I'd recommend checking out the route first, finding out about hills, and whether it's on grass or road, and in the weeks before, just putting in a few minutes training for them.

    Best of luck and just have fun!
  • Smyles2u
    Smyles2u Posts: 48 Member
    All great info. Have fun with it, Hydrate the day b4(drink water til your urine is clear). Someone mention for you to eat light b4 the race. I usually do what i did when I was training. Me, for a 5k I can go with eating a small fruit and a serving of almonds for the protein. I would eat that an hour b4 I run. I wouldnt drink much at all, maybe a cup of coffee for the boost.
    Good luck
    Have fun!!! :)
  • andream024
    andream024 Posts: 7
    Have a good dinner and not a heavy breakfast. I drink Pedialyte a day before a race. Make sure you're breathing properly, listen to some great music and most importantly-have fun! Good luck!
  • JustQue
    JustQue Posts: 157
    Thank you all so much and thanks for the link. I'm so excited and I can't wait!!! Q
  • jernigan51
    jernigan51 Posts: 92
    Eat light the day before, nothing new that might cause trouble, get a good night sleep, and don't sweat it the morning of! I was a little nervous, but once I started running everything else just kind of floated away and I was in the running zone! I did the Couch to 5k also and ran my first 5k this past weekend, October 1! Good luck, you can do this!
  • Bamacraft
    Bamacraft Posts: 175 Member
    Dont change much if anything. Assuming its Saturday morning, very light day Thursday, off Friday, eat sensible Friday. Hydrate during the week. DO NOT experiment with new eating habits, i skip breakfast all together the morning of. You dont need it for only 3 miles.

    Dont warm up too much but get there soon enough to get a slow jog (get your HR up a little) in about 20-30 minutes prior, use the restroom and stretch lightly. RELAX, enjoy some tunes. Dont get caught up in the 1st mile sprint. Treat as just another day for a 3 mile run.
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