being new to running Beth, anything anyone says will be little help until you find your way over this hurdle. Just remember what your doing it for u, Just you and noone else! There are no expectations on how fast you have to run, you are racing you.

Also remember its not your job to win the race. try not to focus on what other people will think of you or your time, there will always be people that are faster and slower then you so no worries........

Have fun and think about the reasons why you enjoy running.....

Good luck and keep us upto date

Your biggest competition is no one but yourself.  I haven't done a 5K, but I ran my very 1st event, 2 wks ago.  I didn't have a goal time before the competition, but while at the start line, I decided to set a doable goal in order to prove something to myself (which I was able to accomplish). 

Don't worry about finishing last as I guarantee that on the day of, the energy in the event will make you do something you've never done/accomplish before!

Best wishes and God bless!

Beth,

If you can run 5.2 miles in 53 minutes you definitely won't be the last...I'd say that with the pace you had you will be somewhere in the middle of the pack.  You might actually find you do better than a 10 minute per mile pace since you won't be running as far.  I just recently ran my first and it was very nervewracking but exciting at the same time.  I have my next one in a few weeks and yes, I feel like I am repeating the whole new experience all over again....lol.  If you can, check out the route and arrive early to the race.  One thing I would recommend is to not put yourself at the very back of the crowd.  Place yourself in the middle and then work up from there.  I found I had to dart inbetween lots of folks to work up towards the "front".  Be careful not to start out too fast so you don't peter out.  If you are running with someone who has been doing so for some time and can pretty well guesstimate their pace have them help you.  Remember adrenaline comes into play and that'll help push you along as well.  Make sure you let us know how you did and if you have more specific questions just ask!

Teri

I ran my first 5K two weeks ago, during week 7 of the 9-week "couch to 5K" program (yep, I was jumping the gun). I found I started out a little too fast, and ended up walking for a few seconds near the end. I ran the same race again last week, and paced myself much better. Improved my time by about 40 seconds, but more importantly, felt much better. A lot less winded, and no cramps. Yay!

So my advice, from one newbie to another, is pace yourself comfortably. I like to have a little extra to turn on in the end, rather than use it all up in the beginning.

Oh, and good shoes are good! I got a new pair between races and I think they might have helped.