First 5K on Saturday night... any advice?

dsak
dsak Posts: 367 Member
edited October 5 in Health and Weight Loss
I signed up for my first 5K ever, and the day is quickly approaching! I'll be doing the Jingle Bell Run on Saturday night. I'm really looking forward to it, but also a little nervous because I just don't know what to expect. I've completed my C25K training, and have actually been running for 35 minutes this past week (usually completing a 5K within that time). Aside from being anxious for my first official run, I've also never run at night before. My runs have always been first thing in the morning or late morning (about 2 hours after eating a light breakfast).

If anyone has any advice about eating the day of.... training or resting the few days before... or just any advice in general for a first time 5K, please share.

THANKS!

Replies

  • RHeyne1
    RHeyne1 Posts: 17
    Congrats on your first 5k! I started running last year and have done multiple races since then. Since you've never run at night before, just be careful about what you eat during the day--keep it light! The last thing you want is a bunch of pasta on your stomach while you're running, so if you're going to carbo-load, do it the night before. Also, drink PLENTY of water, it makes a huge difference! Running in races is lots of fun and it's so motivating to see everyone else out there with you! It's a great atmosphere and you'll probably find that you can push yourself a little more than usual because of all the support of runners around you (at least that's always been the case for me!). Good luck and have fun!
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    bump!
  • rochey1098
    rochey1098 Posts: 285
    Hydrate your body as much as you can
  • tmtolbert
    tmtolbert Posts: 59 Member
    the training schedule's i use for 5k's always have me doing a light workout 2 days before a race and then a rest day the day before the race. i find that it makes me stronger on race day and i have actually logged some personal best times by resting the day before!
  • Faintgreeneyes
    Faintgreeneyes Posts: 729 Member
    Congrats on your first 5k! Remember to hydrate a lot through out the day! If you normally run 2 hours after eating a light breakfast, make sure the last meal you have before the run is in the same time frame. I always make sure to eat a banana 30 mins before my run, to help combat cramps. Also make sure you are stretched and loose! I would say try to limit the amount of activity on your legs through out the day, you want to make sure they are rested and ready for the run!

    All in all- you have done the training, you will do great! Just do what works for you, and have fun!
  • CoachsWife4
    CoachsWife4 Posts: 79 Member
    Just don't eat anything huge right beforehand. Eat a good breakfast and a good lunch; maybe a banana or something prior to the race. For evening races, I like to wait and eat supper afterwards, if the race time isn't too late. Just drink lots of water that day but be mindful of how much you drink the hour before the race. I like to make sure I don't have to worry about needing a potty break in the middle of the race.

    Do what you normally do - it's not such a long race that you really need to change much up, other than being mindful of the bathroom and hydration for the day.
  • TammiAcker
    TammiAcker Posts: 53 Member
    I just did my first 5K Thanksgiving morning. And the only things I did different was 1.) got a good night's rest, 2.) plenty of water, and 3.) a 5 hour energy and a lite breakfast before my run? The atmosphere really pumps you up and does help you run faster. Also if you have even a slightly bit of a competitive bone that is what pushed me...In my opinion if you are already running a 5K then you are set.... but you may wanna try running outside at the same time as your run so that you will know how it feels and possible weather? Good Luck!
  • dsak
    dsak Posts: 367 Member
    Thanks for all of the advice!!!! I really appreciate the feedback!!! I will rest, hydrate and not eat too much / too heavy during the day... and definitely not before the race!!! Woo-hoo.... I can't wait!
  • directorj
    directorj Posts: 537 Member
    I just did my 1st race (10k) last week. From what I learned was don't get too excited or else you won't get enough sleep :laugh: . Also don't do anything different and treat this as a regular run. So if you normally eat an hour before a run, leave it that way before the race. It's just another run but this time you have more people around you.

    Have fun! The adrenaline will push you along the way too.
  • erica714
    erica714 Posts: 48 Member
    Have Fun :D
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