First 5K tomorrow! Advice?

carrie1977

carrie1977

Sweet Shoppe SugarBabe
I'm running my first 5K tomorrow morning. It's the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and I'm running in memory of a dear co-worker that we lost last November to breast cancer. I'm used to running. I've just never ran in a timed race before.

Any advice from seasoned runners? What should I eat the morning of the race? The race starts at 8am and I'm not used to eating breakfast so early. Anything in particular I should steer clear of?

What should I expect as far as checking in goes?

Anything you wish someone would have told you?

Thanks!
 
I've never had to check in, just pick up my packet beforehand... and show up with my chip and number one (and clothes too :D) at the starting line/crowd LOL... the fast/elite runners usually get a spot in the front and the walkers in the back... so basically you gather in the crowd according to how fast you are... which is why I always stick to the back... when the gun goes off... you wait and wait for the crowd in front of you to get going and then you start going... I always get too excited and start running too fast at the beginning but you just can't help it... it's just too fun and everyone is cheering each other on

basically just have fun and enjoy hanging out with a bunch of runners :)

I usually a bowl of oatmeal with some peanut butter mixed in... don't eat anything too heavy or you might cramp up and feel miserable... just something light and some carbs to get you through the race... and then you can pig out after the race :) they usually have snacks and food at the end of the race

but I don't know, I've never done that particular race so they might be a bit different as far as check ins and what's at the end... but I'd be surprised if they didn't have food for you at the end and they should have given you check in/pick up info when you registered so that you have your number and chip :)
 
Heather basically summed everything up! I wouldn't eat anything too heavy for breakfast - maybe just a banana if you don't normally eat that early. Definitely make sure you are towards the front if you want to run the entire way. I know one race I did I ended up dodging walkers nearly the entire way. Just have fun and don't stress!! :)

Oh - and I'm guessing you aren't going to Macy's to pick up your packet? Just make sure you arrive early enough tomorrow morning so you have time to stand in line for packet pick-up.
 
I would eat a banana. That's my plan for the one I am doing tomorrow. Some peanut butter toast would work, too. Its a lot of dodging people and stuff. Have fun!
 
Thanks everyone! Luckily, the 8:00am is just for runners. The walkers don't start until 10:00am. Hopefully I'll avoid a huge crowd. I think most people do the walk. Last year I walked and it was pretty crowded.

Erin, the captain of my team picked up all the stuff from Macy's. I already have my shirt and my number so I'm guessing I'm good?

I think I'll have a banana then for breakfast. I'll limit myself to one cup of coffee then I'll have some water.
 
If that's what your team captain gave you the you're all good!! Do you normally drink coffee before running? I know for some people it can give them tummy problems...
 
Well...not usually because I don't generally run in the morning...only on the weekends. But, I usually have a cup or two every day. I'll try to skip it just to be on the safe side. We'll see how it goes.
 
Congrats on your first 5K! I ran my first one two weeks ago.

I had two protein bars and some water for breakfast...held up great.

I loved the race...just having all the other people around me running kept me motivated.

As for advice...pick a nice pace and just enjoy!
 
It went great! Ran it in about 24/25 minutes. They don't really track time and I didn't turn on my Runkeeper app because it kinda slows me down trying to put my phone in my belt thingy. I was pretty much in the front when it started so that was good. It was so cool coming in to the finish line with the crowd there clapping and cheering. It was a great feeling!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2026 XenForo Ltd.
Back
Top