We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. You’ve signed up, you’ve logged the training miles and race day is almost here! Taking on a 5K can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Here, find the best tips when it comes to running for beginners. These will help you maximize the enjoyment out there – and make your first race fun, fast and stress-free. Get Your Z’s Two Nights Before . Pre-race jitters tend to strike the night before the race, interrupting your sleep. When it comes to running for beginners or even experienced racers, trust that this is normal and will not influence your race. Prepare yourself instead by getting quality sleep two nights before the race and taking that day completely off

from any activity. Keep It Light . During race week, your running mileage should decrease. At this point, your training is really about “storing up” rest so your legs are ready on race day. During the week, include two to three short runs with a few, small pick ups – short, snappy segments that get your legs moving faster and prepare you for the faster tempo of the race – to keep your legs fresh. Two days out from the race, take a day off for total rest. The day before the race, do a short (20-minute) run with up to five pick ups under 45 seconds to sharpen your legs. See seven more race-day tips after the break!

More here: 
10 Things to Know Before Your First 5K