First ever 5k on Saturday

[Deleted]

So my MIL and I just signed up for a Day of the Dead 5k on Saturday. It's a first ever 5k for both of us; we're both occasional runners who run/jog/walk occasionally, and since this is kind of a goofy 5k there's no real competition here anyway. However, I don't feel quite prepared. I'm not too stressed since 3 miles isn't that long; I've just never ran that long before!

How should I train between now and then? I run like 5 times per month, on no real schedule. What should I eat Saturday morning? The race is at 9am, and we'll leave home around 7:00. Also, what should I wear if the temperature is really in the 20s or low 30s as they're predicting?

Usually when I run in the morning I run as soon as I wake up, so I don't normally eat before I run. A normal Saturday breakfast for me is eggs or oatmeal, so I think I'll have that.

I'm planning on wearing regular running pants, with Day of the Dead skull PJ pants over them. I'll layer a hot pink running shirt over a black, long-sleeved t-shirt, and I have a pink fleece I'll wear over that if temps really are in the 20s. I also have gloves and a hat with a hole for a pony-tail.

Does anyone have and ideas or advice for me? Thanks in advance!

[sadlebred]

You can't train for a 5K between now and Sat. Training for any race and getting improvement starts months before an event. My training for fall bike races starts in Feb.!

I'd probably do a run-walk. Maybe run 2 minutes, walk a minute. I'm sure the runners will have better advice. Just have fun with it.

[Deleted]

How far can you currently run? Given the type of race, I'd just have fun and enjoy the experience.

[Deleted]

I can run about 1.5 miles, then I walk for a little bit then I can finish out that second mile running.

I understand I can't properly "train" on a few days' notice, so I guess I'm really asking if there's anything special I should do to better prepare for this on short notice.

[Deleted]

I can run about 1.5 miles, then I walk for a little bit then I can finish out that second mile running.

I understand I can't properly "train" on a few days' notice, so I guess I'm really asking if there's anything special I should do to better prepare for this on short notice.

[gt7301b]

A good rule of thumb is nothing new on race day, since this race is a little later than you usually run you may have to bend that rule a little bit. Eggs would be tough for me before a race, I usually have a half of a bagel or an english muffin before a 5k. If I were in your shoes I'd probably try and run tomorrow and eat a small breakfast prior to your run and see how your body reacts.

If you think you are going to try and run the entire race I wouldn't wear running pants and pj pants over them. But if you were planning to run/walk you'd be fine.

Remember to not over think it too much and have fun.

[katandkevin]

I would just try to have fun. Eat something small for breakfast, whatever you normally eat. I see no reason why you would have to run the whole thing. No one forces you to run during a 5k, it is a fun run so I would run what you can and then walk the rest.

[katandkevin]

I would just try to have fun. Eat something small for breakfast, whatever you normally eat. I see no reason why you would have to run the whole thing. No one forces you to run during a 5k, it is a fun run so I would run what you can and then walk the rest.

[shauni27]

What others have said--just have fun! If you were running the whole thing the two pairs of pants would be too hot, but if you are walking a lot of it, that should be fine. Just eat your normal breakfast. And enjoy the heck out of it (it being the race, not the breakfast, though you should enjoy that too!)

[mrshandy]

Have fun! That's the most important thing.

[bostonmichelle]

Have fun!!

I would try eating then running once this week like pp's said.

[secretlyevil]

Adrenaline will help a lot in this situation. I would suggest an interval maybe a 2/1 or even a 3/1. This way you're pacing your energy reserve for the entire distance.

[sweetiesparkles]

Hi! I ran my first 5K this May and am now addicted.

Anything shorter than 5 miles really does not require food. In your case, I'd eat a banana and some water or a bagel.

I get overheated a lot quickly so I'd dress in layers.

Have a great time and enjoy it!