Last run before trail 5K?

[Becky]

I'm running a trail 5K this weekend. I'm happy to be healthy enough to comfortably run anything right now, and this one has been on my to-do list for awhile. Not looking to race or place or anything- if I do it in less than 40 minutes, I'll be happy.

With that said, when should my last run be before Saturday? My free time is limited this week, but Friday is wide open. If I run Friday morning, am I going to kill my legs for Saturday?

Thanks in advance for any advice that y'all may have.

[limewave]

Normally I do a complete rest day the day before a race. But I think if you run Friday AM, you will be fine. Just make sure it is an easy, slow, short run. Or you could go on a walk or for an easy spin on your bike.

[Becky]

Crap. That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for your reply though- I appreciate it!

To make matters worse, I just agreed to a Friday afternoon MTB ride. I am going to die on Saturday.

[Grog]

For myself I'd do an easy, slow run the day before, with a few accelerations thrown in but NOT full-blown speed work. Just to remind your legs that they can move fast, without making them sore.

And I'd make an effort to smile the whole way.