Hello All! I need some quick input and advice from those who have some experience. I just registered for my first 5K run… which is THIS FRIDAY. Any thoughts and advice on the following
When do I eat prior to the race
What should I eat
What can I do the next 3 days to have myself as prepared and primer for the race as possible.

Any other thoughts and advice would be great!!!!!!!!!! I am a bit nervous. I know its not giving much time to prepare… but the cause is really important to me because my grandfather died from prostate cancer in April….. and it just really means a lot for me to run in this race. Im not looking to WIN… just hoping to finish


Gimme some feedback friends!! THANK YOU

dont eat anything that you would not usually eat, stick to familiar foods so nothing is left to chance in terms of causing a stomach upset etc. rest will be key in the build up, in bed by 10pm at the latest to make sure your body rest during the peak physical rest period (10pm-2am)

5k may be a big milestone for you, but i dont think you will need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare your body for the event. just eat well, be well rested and look forward to it, dont have any anxiety over it. GOOD LUCK

Good luck and have fun!

Are you running just to run or are you actually trying to race?

I have a 10k this weekend, schedule etc permitting. The local Terry Fox run. I'm going to try running half of it, if I can.

Hey M,

Good luck on your first 5K.

All I can say is make sure you are well rested for the race. When I ran my 4 mile race I actually stopped running 2 days prior to the race so my legs wouldn't be worn or sore come race day. Now you don't have to all out stop exercising just make sure that you don't over do it. Maybe just keep yourself to light workouts about 2 days prior to the race.

Again, Good Luck and most importantly.

HAVE FUN....

The day before, do a very light workout with lots of stretching. Maybe jog for a little while.

Eating a banana or two the night before is good for you, the potassium helps prevent cramping. Honestly, 5k sounds more intimidating then it really is. I was SO afraid before my first 5k, and I really didn't do that bad. I finished with a 32:30 time, which is slow, but not horrible.

Just take it easy with the 5k, and know your limits.

How did it go?

Yes i do want to hear how it went as well

Hi and good luck with your first 5k race!

Personally I think that having balance food or even energy bar might help you during the race. Make sure to keep your self hydrated too so drink lot of water to replace the liquid loss during the race.

Most important is to have the confidence and determination! If you think you can, then you can! Good luck !

I'm not very experienced but hope able to help you.

Hey! Thank you all for the encouragement. I updated my journal last weekend but forgot to get this post updated!

I actually had a great time running. I finished 54th out of 155 people! My time was 27:04

Not bad for a first attempt!


I am already signed up for my next 5K race on Oct 10th!!!!

Nice!!!!! Glad it went so well, good time too.