Race on Sunday - do I run this week or will I be tired?

[Runnf]

Hello, I am running the 5k in New Forest Marathon on sunday as my first ever race.

I have run 5k only twice before, on the 11th & 20th Aug. I intended to run again between then & now but got ill, & then went on holiday. So I've not run since a 4k on the 23rd. After the 9 weeks of c25k, I'm not used to time away from running & unsure how fast my fitness levels drop.

I'm dithering over whether to run this week, maybe 2.5k tomorrow, or not? Is there anything I can do to help my performance on Sun or have I done all I can? Eeek.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Most training plans building you up for a specific event will taper the training in the last week. I believe that for a new runner you will benefit more from rest than by training right up to the event.

You know you can run the distance, so relax, have an easy week, with perhaps a couple of nice slow runs just to keep everything moving.

[damienair Graduate]

Yep I agree. A nice easy light 4-5K run tomorrow and then a nice easy walk or two. Relax for 2-3 days before the race.

[SlowLoris]

I’ll be there. So will a couple of others from here.

Do a couple of short easy runs if you like. Eat well. Get plenty of sleep.

Same distance as a Parkrun so you’ll be fine.

[ArthurJG Graduate]

One or two short slow runs. If you don’t trust yourself to keep to a shorter distance and slower pace than usual, forget it and go for a wee walk instead, rather than risk overdoing it. Probably don’t run the two days before the race - definitely not the day before.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A slow and gentle to keep things moving and then just enjoy Sunday

[Runnf Graduate]

Great stuff, thank you all for your replies. Feeling a bit more sure of myself now.