Tips for Your 5K Race Day!

Well, you've made it to the starting line of your 5K!

There are some race strategies that you need to keep in mind. Pay attention to where you line up at the start. You don't want to line up too close to the front - you'll get trampled when the gun goes off. Another problem with starting too close to the front is that you may get carried away with runners faster than you, try to keep up with them and tire out too soon.

If you start too far back, you may get trapped behind too many slower runners and lose a lot of time getting by them. This doesn't really matter in longer races, but it certainly does in a 5K.

A 5K race can basically be divided into four segments - first mile mark, second mile mark, third mile mark and the last tenth of a mile.

You want to find your rhythm during the first mile. Settle into a nice, steady, strong pace. You want to hit the first mile mark at your goal race pace.

The second mile, you want to pick up your effort slightly to keep your pace. It's a good idea to find a runner (or group of runners) that are running your pace and let them pull you along.

Push a little more during the third mile to stay on pace and try to move up a few places. At this point, if you've given it your all, you'll want to focus on your form. Also at the 3-mile mark, pick out someone in front of you - your target!

During your last tenth of a mile, give it all you've got - switch to your high gear - and blow by that target and finish strong!

There you go - you've done it! Isn't it a great feeling! Ready for your next one, yet?

About this Author

Judy Mick has been running since 1978 and has not missed a day running since 1985. Read about her running and get running tips at http://www.thestreakingrunner.com

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