Started By
Message

5k race prep the week leading up to race

Posted on 7/26/24 at 12:54 pm
Posted by Ol boy
Member since Oct 2018
3972 posts
Posted on 7/26/24 at 12:54 pm
Ran my best 5k training run (8:37 av pace) and plan to run my first 5k race next Saturday.
Just curious what others do the week leading up to and the final day or two before the race?
Not trying to win but really trying to improve my time and knowing what my best training run is (26:53) should I just pace myself at a 8:37 and then push harder the last mile or push harder like a 8min pace and hope I don’t crash??
This post was edited on 7/26/24 at 1:33 pm
Posted by Anemone
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2016
125 posts
Posted on 7/26/24 at 2:22 pm to
My lead up to races involves abstaining from alcohol for 7-14 prior to the race, short runs 6&7 days prior to the race, upper body weight training the last few days before the race and no exercise the day before. Go to bed around 9 pm the night before the race. Wake up at 5 - 530 race day for coffee, food and bathroom.
Posted by rds dc
Member since Jun 2008
21041 posts
Posted on 7/26/24 at 3:18 pm to
Don't do anything stupid to trash your legs, and don't get drunk the night before. Have fun on race day.
Posted by TU Rob
Birmingham
Member since Nov 2008
13323 posts
Posted on 7/26/24 at 3:57 pm to
Keep in mind that the start of most races are a cluster, and unless they send you off in stages, which is highly unlikely for a short race like a 5k, you'll be dealing with traffic and everyone slowly spreading out for the first several minutes. I've seen a few go off with pace groups, under 7 min/mile, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, and 10+, and that seems to help. I always opted for the chip timing and hung around at the back of the starting area and just ran my normal pace until the last mile or so.
Posted by Ol boy
Member since Oct 2018
3972 posts
Posted on 7/26/24 at 3:58 pm to
quote:

4 prior to the race, short runs 6&7 days prior to the race,

So are you going short easy casual runs or more of short sprints?
Thanks for the reply.
Posted by Ol boy
Member since Oct 2018
3972 posts
Posted on 7/26/24 at 4:03 pm to
quote:

you'll be dealing with traffic and everyone slowly spreading out for the first several minutes.

Thanks!! something I haven’t even thought about is being all congested and kept from running “my pace”
Posted by Shepherd88
Member since Dec 2013
4880 posts
Posted on 7/27/24 at 7:32 am to
If you run the week of the race for training purposes then keep heart rate in zone 2 or lower. You’ll benefit better that way as your body won’t be as strained when you get to the race and want to push yourself.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram