My first race (10k) is tomorrow. I'm super nervous, but I'm not sure why.
Would you do a warmup jog BEFORE the race or warmup at the start of the race? I will stretch before, but I'm wondering more about getting my body warm with a jog.
Did anyone else do their very first race alone? My husband has to work so this will be all me, which is kind of scary since I've never done it before.
If you are the type that needs to eat before racing, what do you eat in the morning and how long before the race do you eat?
How early should I get to the race? My town isn't that big so there won't be thousands, maybe not even hundreds of people.
Any other tips for me? Thanks ![]()
Re: Ok last questions- race tomorrow
For a smaller race I like to be near the starting line at least 30 before the start, more if I need to pick up a packet. I like to have plenty of time to park and get myself situated. that and the bathroom lines are usually long.
Baby GIRL EDD 5.21.13
My Blog | My Chart
2012 Races Heart Half Marathon 3.18.2012 - 1:51:01 (PR)
Flying Pig Marathon 5.6.12 - 3:50:28 (PR)
Leadville Trail Marathon 6.30.12 - 7:32:23 (not a typo)
Esri 5K 7.25.12 - 21:57 (PR)
Baby GIRL EDD 5.21.13
My Blog | My Chart
2012 Races Heart Half Marathon 3.18.2012 - 1:51:01 (PR)
Flying Pig Marathon 5.6.12 - 3:50:28 (PR)
Leadville Trail Marathon 6.30.12 - 7:32:23 (not a typo)
Esri 5K 7.25.12 - 21:57 (PR)
Number one thing, have fun! It takes a few races to figure out what routine works best for YOU.
I run about a mile before the race to warm up, but if you aren't used to running 7 miles you might want to use the first mile as a warm up.
Don't worry about running alone, it really isn't a big deal.
I normally eat a small breakfast before I run a race, but it is just a scaled down version of what I normally eat. Toast with peanut butter, oatmeal, or some fruit.
For small races we normally get there 45 min - 1 hr before the start.
I personally never warm up before a race, but that's just me. I do see lot's of other people doing it though, so if you want to, go for it.
For a small race I like to get there 30-45 minutes before the start. Especially since it's your first, you don't want to be rushing around and get all stressed out. Leave time to go to the bathroom and just chill a little bit beforehand.
I eat a bowl of plain cheerios w/ skim milk and a banana before a race. I can actually eat something 15 minutes before a run and be fine, but I know other people have more sensitive stomachs. I would probably eat at least an hour - hour and a half beforehand just to be safe.
I usually eat oatmeal and a banana before my races (1- 2 hours before race) and I try to get to the race about 30 minutes before the start - I usually pick up my chip and number before hand so I don't have to wait in line to get that stuff at the race.
I don't jog too much before my races - I usually stretch and do some warm up exercises. I always get nervous before races but I try to remind myself that I'm here to do my best and that it's not the end of the world if the race isn't my best race.
Good luck and let us all know how it goes!!