Race day suggestions?

[OhioBlue]

my first race--a 5k--is a little more than a week away. I've told myself that it's just 3.1 miles and I run at least that every day, so no big deal--but I can feel myself getting geeked up nonetheless as the day approaches. I don't see that as a bad thing, but being the anxious guy that I am, I'm also open to hearing any suggestions from those on here who've run races and can help me have a good experience (read: not do anything stupid).

I have little pride anymore and don't mind being a noob. But all I know so far is not to wear the race shirt for the actual race. I have a safe time goal (under 25 minutes) and an ambitious time goal (under 23:30) but mostly will be happy to go out there, run, and have a good time. I did a pace run today on the actual course and did it in 24:36, so I think from here on out I'll do my long run saturday and then taper next week.

As I've said other times on this forum, I feel a little silly getting hyped up for a little 5k when many on here are seemingly superhuman (by that I mean people who run marathons, do P90X, and think it's fun to get together and ride bikes up huge hills for miles on end). But all the same, I'd appreciate any advice you all have for me. TIA!

[BigPiney]

I like to eat something easy on the stomach. Some oatmeal maybe. I always get the runs (nerves) on race morning, so I make sure to hit the toilet at least twice Drink enough water to be hydrated, but not enough to have to pee during the race.

A 5 k is short, so no need to drink during the race, just run, and fast.

Don't go out too fast. Try and control your pace for at least the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile.

Don't wear anything that you don't normally wear. New shoes, socks, underwear are bad ideas for race day.

Oh and if you aren't going to win the thing, don't stand in the damn front before the race. That drives me crazy. You can stand close to the front, especially based on what you hope to run, but don't take a place on the starting line unless there is a bunch of room..

[Pheidippides]

I like to eat something easy on the stomach. Some oatmeal maybe. I always get the runs (nerves) on race morning, so I make sure to hit the toilet at least twice Drink enough water to be hydrated, but not enough to have to pee during the race.

A 5 k is short, so no need to drink during the race, just run, and fast.

Don't go out too fast. Try and control your pace for at least the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile.

Don't wear anything that you don't normally wear. New shoes, socks, underwear are bad ideas for race day.

Oh and if you aren't going to win the thing, don't stand in the damn front before the race. That drives me crazy. You can stand close to the front, especially based on what you hope to run, but don't take a place on the starting line unless there is a bunch of room..

Amen to all of this. I eat a banana and some oatmeal but I try to keep it bland. Make sure to watch your pace - you will have adrenaline, and that's not necessarily bad, but it will make you go out faster than you should. Make a plan and stick with it - and if you feel frisky during the last mile, that's the time to put the hammer down. Not off the line.

[bluegoose]

I agree with what Piney mentions about staying back from the starting line, although my reasons are different than his. The further up you are at the start, the easier it is to get caught up in the mad dash off the line as people are jostling for position. I've made the mistake in the past and ended up running a full minute faster than my race pace for the first mile, only to pay dearly for it toward the finish. Plus, its a whole lot more fun starting with the slower folks and passing tons of people in the second half of the race.

I don't like to feel rushed before a race, so I show up plenty early so I can get registered, get my bib number on, check out the course, go for a little jog and just hang out for some time before the start. If they let you pre-register, put the number on your shirt the night before so that you don't have to worry about it that morning.

As much as anything, don't do anything different. If you are used to running on an empty stomach, run on an empty stomach. If you like to eat 2 hours early, then do that. Don't make it any more complicated than it is. Just take confidence in all of those training miles that you've already done and have fun.

[Pheidippides]

I agree with what Piney mentions about staying back from the starting line, although my reasons are different than his. The further up you are at the start, the easier it is to get caught up in the mad dash off the line as people are jostling for position. I've made the mistake in the past and ended up running a full minute faster than my race pace for the first mile, only to pay dearly for it toward the finish. Plus, its a whole lot more fun starting with the slower folks and passing tons of people in the second half of the race.

I don't like to feel rushed before a race, so I show up plenty early so I can get registered, get my bib number on, check out the course, go for a little jog and just hang out for some time before the start. If they let you pre-register, put the number on your shirt the night before so that you don't have to worry about it that morning.

As much as anything, don't do anything different. If you are used to running on an empty stomach, run on an empty stomach. If you like to eat 2 hours early, then do that. Don't make it any more complicated than it is. Just take confidence in all of those training miles that you've already done and have fun.

A very good point. Bigger races in particular are a pain this way. The last 5k I ran was insane - people and bodies everywhere. I was jumping curves and running on grass for a while (especially trying to avoid the idiots running 10 minute paces at front).*



*Not that there is anything wrong with a 10 minute/mile pace. But if you know you are going to run that pace and you are lining up at the front, those of us who are trying to go 20:00 flat for the entire thing are going to be majorly pissed at you, especially when we line up back a few yards next to the sign WITH OUR FREAKIN' PACE WRITTEN ON IT!

[Sea Chicken]

I think it's all pretty much been said by the guys above. I just want to add that you shouldn't feel silly getting hyped-up over a little 5k. It's more fun that way.

[OhioBlue]

awesome, this is all great stuff. Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm interested to see how the adrenaline affects me, how well I can pace the start, and what it's like to run with a bunch of other people. This is a fairly small 5k, I'm guessing <150 based on last year's results, so hopefully it'll be a good one to start with.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Unless one is a likely top finisher, and assuming everyone is running with timing chips, I agree that hanging way back before the start is the way to go. In my one and only 10K, I enjoyed talking trash to the old women and gimps as I loped nimbly by over the course at my blistering 9 min/mile pace.

And yes, a modest amount of oatmeal and a banana comprise my pre-run and pre-ride meal of choice.

[Uncle Ted]

Carbo load on fettuccine alfredo...

[YOUTUBE]9-e5y-3dyUs[/YOUTUBE]

(Maybe not.)

Have fun!

[beelzebabette]

You people are boring. I eat Girl Scout cookies (Do-si-dos) and milk before I run/ride. With the occasional banana chaser.

[doctorcoug]

I used to eat a blueberry bagel with tuna fish three hours before the race. It was my staple.

To run a sub 24 min, run a nine minute mile your first mile, and I bet you break 24. Can you run a mile in 7:00?

[Pheidippides]

I think it's all pretty much been said by the guys above. I just want to add that you shouldn't feel silly getting hyped-up over a little 5k. It's more fun that way.

Agreed absolutely. I got less sleep before my 10k this spring than I did before my marathon last winter. Although Hot Lunch, FN Phat and Coach had a lot to do with that.

[OhioBlue]

Race day update: I had a good time at my first race. Between the two races (5k and 10k) they had about 400 people, so not huge which was nice.

The highlights included:
-going to the bathroom at least 6 times this morning
-running with a great friend, and having my wife and kids there supporting me
-the course (provo river parkway, can't go wrong there)
-Magleby's french toast and breakfast afterwards at the race. I could have bathed in that butter-infused syrup.
-well organized, didn't have to even think at the finish and suddenly my timing chip had been clipped off of my shoe, my bib tag taken, and water in my hand. A little while later, results were printed out and posted.
-winning a gift certificate in the raffle, where I never win anything.

Lowlights included:
-going to the bathroom at least 6 times this morning
-starting too far back, and getting stuck for about the first 2/3 mile. The Parkway is narrow, and I paid a bit for not starting closer to the line. I was probably running an 11:00 pace as it funneled onto the path and until I could get around people. Oh well, no biggie--just means I know I can cut time off the next 5k.
-it was hot, hot, hot. especially waiting through the awards ceremony

Results? 25th overall, 3rd in my age group. My friend was 14th overall and also 3rd in his age group, plus he dry-heaved at the end which might have been the highlight of the whole experience.

Got a medal, an experience I soaked up since I'm pretty sure that won't be happening again a whole lot.

All in all a fun time and something I'm looking forward to repeating!

[CardiacCoug]

Results? 25th overall, 3rd in my age group. My friend was 14th overall and also 3rd in his age group, plus he dry-heaved at the end which might have been the highlight of the whole experience.

Got a medal, an experience I soaked up since I'm pretty sure that won't be happening again a whole lot.

All in all a fun time and something I'm looking forward to repeating!

Congratulations! Nice work. Sounds like fun.

Today must have been a big day for racing in Utah County. My wife ran the Hobble Creek half-marathon today.

[OhioBlue]

Congratulations! Nice work. Sounds like fun.

Today must have been a big day for racing in Utah County. My wife ran the Hobble Creek half-marathon today.

Thanks, CC. Yes, tis the season for races, it appears. I've heard great things about the Hobble Creek half, would love to run it next summer. I undedrstand it fills up quite quickly.