Another question from a newbie runner doing her first 5K this weekend

OK - I feel really ready for my first 5K this weekend.  I'm comfortably doing about 3.5 miles without stopping.  I can do 4 miles, but it's pushing it yet for me.

My question has to do with the days leading up to the race.  When is it a good idea to have my rest days?  I have currently run 4 days in a row and was thinking today would be a good rest day, but I want to time my rest before the race correctly.  My race is Saturday at 5pm.

If I rest today - should I rest again on Friday?  Or since the race isn't until 5pm on Saturday - should I not rest on Friday?

Also - since the race is not until 5pm on Saturday - should I be eating carbs for lunch? or for breakfast?  

Thanks everyone!

Hi Pamela.   Tapering a day before your race is probably a good idea.   I wouldn't do any speed workouts the day before but it may help you to get out and walk or go for a light jog to keep your muscles loose.

Pasta the night before or for breakfast would be a good idea.  

Best of luck at your race! 

Chad

sorry -- no answers for you, but I just want to wish you a GREAT RACE!

You are ready --- have a wonderful time and write us a great race report!!!

Best of luck on you 5K. I did my first last Saturday and took Friday as a rest day, except for walking a few miles to stay loose. I didn't change anything as far as eating, I had a banana and a protein bar a couple of hours before the race.

I had a blast, I'm sure you will as well.

 Pamela,
Have fun at your first race!  Sounds like you've done everything right to get to this point and there's good advice above.  My only advice -- start in the back at the race!  Not sure how fast you plan on being, but unless you think you'll be competitive with the other runners stay back for a few seconds.  It's so easy to get worked up at the beginning of a race and start out to fast, just go with your plan and have fun!  You're going to do great
--Dan

Thanks so much for all the advice everybody.  I really appreciate it.  I am so excited about my race on Saturday.  My goal is to finish without walking (I am pretty sure I can do that) and to not finish last (I'm not so sure about that one).