First 5K

The day after tomorrow I will be running in my first 5K! EEP! I am so excited! I never thought I'd be doing this. I know this is small potatoes compared to what some of you are doing, but this is really major for me. I am so excited! A little nervous too. I know I can do the run, but just to step outside my comfort zone and do something I have never done is taking some courage.

Any advice? Do's? Dont's? Also, I was hoping for some music suggestions - I need some new music on my ipod that gets me going. What do you listen to that gets you going out there?

xoxo

I still get excited/nervous for a 5K.  They are harder for me than the longer runs, so go for it and be proud, it's a BIG FREAKIN DEAL.

DON'T eat for at least an hour before the race.
Do drink water - and pee right before the race.

My MP3 player has quite a mix on it of styles - but I seem to get pumped up extra when something Latin-style comes on - Like "Get Loud" by Jennifer Lopez, or "La Vida Loca"/"She Bangs" by Ricky Martin.  I almost want to dance when I hear those come on. 

Can't wait to see what others add.

GOOD LUCK!

Thank you for the "pee right before the race" advice. Seriously. I would've probably forgotten and had to pee the whole race. I get butterflies in my tummy everytime I think about it. AHH! Thanks - I'll let you guys know how it goes. xoxo

 I did my first 5k back in July and it was the best feeling...enjoy this day you will do so great!!!  My music is kinda of an odd mix...I have some Glee mixed in with some Eminem and some Flo Rida, Black Eyed Peas and Soulja Boy and some Ozzie....I know a little out there...but it works for me...Good Luck and Have FUN!!!!!!!!!
Erin

Thanks! I need to add Eminem to my ipod, I got the cd, but haven't added it yet. I listed to BEP on my run yesterday. Very good music to get me going and sing while I run, lol. I prolly look like a fool. xoxo

You are going to rock this 5K Jess... Stay away from the fiber the day before and morning of, unless you like crapping your pants, and hydrate well. You will do great!

Congrats!  The first 5K is exciting.  I ran my first one in April, so I am a newbie to all of this as well.  I can offer the following advice.

1) Don't start close to the front-- I really got down with so many people passing me up!  It didn't matter (you're running the race for yourself) but it can be a little demoralizing.

2) Stretch really good before you start, especially if you don't regularly run outside.

3) Pick a good pace-- it will probably be slower than you think you should be going, but my goal was to run the race at the same pace.  You will know it when you find it. 

4) Pick some good music.  I programmed mine on random and it just anoyed me.  Also, music can help you pace yourself.

5) HAVE FUN!  This is such an amazing accomplishment!  Enjoy it!!

Congrats again!  You will have a great time!!

I started at the very back and it felt good to pass other people, so thank you for that advice