In relaxation before hand

I am really good about the quiet before the storm so to speak. I have a race on Thursday and I spend anywhere between three to five days before a race cleaning, relaxing and prepping for the race. You know, trying NOT to get injured. But, as I am going for my second 5k I am wondering if resting before the race is still necessary. When training I run about a distance of 2.5 miles- 3.5 miles give or take. If a 5k is 3.1 miles, I am not sure if resting before the race is necessary. Will report how this will end.

Why I run

For years I have wanted to run and even gave myself the challenge to run a 5k before 30. This never happened. All it took was peer pressure from a classmate to sign up for the Shamrock Shuffle- an 8k race in March. It was in April 2011 when I first ran it and I was all alone with just my husband to cheer me on.

 I suffered from a hair line fracture and was out six weeks. When running, I had to a charley horse during the first mile and ended up with a time of 1:14:34. I tried to run during the summer but had headaches, less time and family issues. When my mother passed away in December 2011, somehow I began to run again as a suggestion from my husband. He wanted to run the Shamrock Shuffle with me in 2012. I began training again and he ended up with an injury and I had to run it all my own.
 This time, I trained outside the entire time along with yoga and had a time of 56:34. Since then, the "running bug" hit me. . .

(hubby and I running a five mile run in May- Cinco de Miler) Time: 58:23 Hubby time: 58:13

(Chicago Women's Half Marathon and 5k- ran my first 5k with a time of 34:44)

And with more on the way, the future of running is looking good for me. (Terrapin 5k- August 2; Bucktown 5k- September 16; Hot Chocolate 5k- November 2; Turkey Trot 10k- November 22)

I have been looking into a race for October. If this comes to pass, I will have successfully completed eight races. I am not including the PAWS race that I will be walking with a pal. May be next year, ten will be a magic number.

So, I hope you will be inspired or teach me about some new things about running.