My First 5K

I am running my first 5k in a couple of weeks, and i just need an idea of what to expect.  what do people wear? should i take my ipod? do i eat before the run, what to eat the night before??

A few things to expect.
1. A great time (not necessarily the one on the clock)
2. Lots of different people and body types.
3. 3.1miles to the finish.

As far as what to wear, I wore track pants and the t-shirt they gave us.  It was about 45º at the start so I wasn't trying to freeze.  But there were people in sweats and also some in shorts.  Just wear what is comfortable.

I took my iPhone with me with my arm band.  If you usually run with your iPod a race is not the time to change that.

Eating properly is important.  You want something that will keep you full for the duration of the race and pack in energy, but that won't slosh around in your belly or want to escape your belly (if you know what I mean.)

Just go out and enjoy yourself.  After your 1st you will have more of an idea of what to expect and will be able to have your race day a bit more specific to suite your needs.

thank you!

Check the rules beforehand, some races don't allow headphones.

Don't eat too much before hand or too far before hand or you'll have to go!  Not too much coffee or tea either; same reason.  If it will be cool then shorts and a t-shirt or layered top that you can take off and wrap around your waist or drop to the ground to retrieve later if you get too hot.  If hot, shorts and a wicking t-shirt.  They make a huge difference here in Florida when the temps are high and you sweat a ton.  A good combination of a lean protein or natural peanut butter with a banana or on a whole-grain pita works well for me. Yum! :)

Carb up the night before. I'm sure someone will correct me if that's an old-school myth, since I haven't competed in years, but that was the advice I got back then. It would be good to have a light snack before the run too. Make sure you hydrate, of course, and get plenty of rest.