My race is in 2 weeks! Preparation tips please!

Hi all of you inspiring people!  My first 5k is October 2nd and I am sooooo stoked!  I look forward to seeing what I can do.

Since I have never done anything like this, I could use some advice on what to do in this next couple of weeks to prepare mentally and physically.

Mentally, I am nervous about running with a large group of people.  The event planners are expecting between 500-600 runners.  I just don't know what to expect that to be like...

Physically, I think I am getting there...I have two more runs of my c25k program (which has been awesome, BTW), and then I will try to add time over the next two weeks.  How much should I shoot for at a time to add?  2 minutes?  5 minutes?

As far as nutrition goes, I have found that I do need some carbs before I run or I quickly run out of gas.  My race is in the morning, and I am used to running in the evening about an hour after dinner.  Breakfast ideas?  Keep in mind that I am 4 1/2 months out, but tolerate most anything fairly well.  Any thoughts on the low sugar carb gels?  I figure that I will get up early and slowly hydrate since I still can't drink very fast.

Ok, this is getting too long...any tips at all would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks so much!
Amy

see if you can do a couple morning runs before hand and try the food then.   You know how bodies act diferently in the morning.  Possible restroom issues etc. 
I wouldn't change up my foods if you don't have to.  If your body is used to running on a banana and some bread, stick to that.  Don't introduct too many changes if any at all.

Something to watch out for.  Getting caught up in the excitement of the race leads people to take off much faster than they are used to and then they suffer later on.
Run your race, your pace and try to relax.

Have fun and enjoy the experience.

I agree, try different foods in the morning before running, you don't want any surprises the morning of your race. Its all about your body and what works for you. Me personally, my body, I don't eat before a run unless I'm running longer than 8 miles, if its less than 8 mile its just a protein coffee, I had to do lots of trial and error to find out this is what works for me. Good luck in your 5k, it will be an exciting experience.

I definitely agree with the others about trying morning runs if you can, and not trying new food routines the day of the race.  Like the others, I don't do much for "short" morning runs.  I usually only carry gels for more than 5 or 6 miles.

If you want to add 2-5 minutes over the next couple of weeks (maybe 2 minutes one week and 3 minutes the next), it won't hurt, but don't stress out over it. 

depending on the race course, 500 people may not be a lot at a race.  I've run with 20,000 (and don't recommend it!)  Anyway, be prepared to have people all around you at the start.  Do your best to keep a comfortable pace for you - don't get caught up in the fast runners who will be FLYING.

I don't know what your schedule looks like, but I usually take a couple days off from running before a race.  You'll be trained, and you don't want to leave it all out on the training trails!

Good luck and I can't wait to read your race report!

Thanks everybody! I'm so excited!

A couple ideas...what others have said.  Bananas, peanutbutter, orange juice...try all before the day of the race.  You may want to keep some plain nuts in your pockets.  Oh and a Kleenex or two for post op...Many of us get very emotional crossing the finish line...

good call on the tissues!  I can pretty much guarantee that I will bawl my eyes out when I am done!

Thanks!

I will have tissues waiting at the finish line...