Carey,

I empithize with you feeling the way you feel, Im sure there are many others that feel the same way you do. But really, I know its easier said then done but  you could show up at the last minute or start in the back of the line. there is no point you have to start from.

As you know its all inside you, because the other people in the race are feeling the same way you do, Heck i get nerves before a race, but once it starts, I dont know its going on till after, plus they dont paste your time onto your forehead or clothes.

No pressure, nobody going to take your birthday away if you dont finish under a time.  The people there are there because they want to be part of something bigger, they want to encourage you,help you, and there will be people that will want to inspire to you.

Yea thats right Carey I hate to tell you but you are a Role Model for others, how you carry yourself in public everyday of your life, you should embrace them and want them to do the best for them. Thats what is all about isnt it, wanting the best for you, your family and everyone around you, That day will come when you have to walk down that road to a race in life, whether its in Jan, Mar, Jun, or Dec it will come, and your heart mind will be racein, the nerves will be crazy, but you will get through it and so you have to be ready for it.

I know you can do it, I have faith in you, you just have to have faith in yourself.

Give yourself some credit for the blood, sweat, and hard work over the last months. How can you sit there and tell me that you 20 to 25 miles a week and not be a runner?

I think the sooner the better for you to do it, I think once you have had a taste of running races you will be hooked, it all for fun!!!!! No pressure, but whats in your head......

You have to dig deep down inside yourself and just say ok Im ready, and no matter what happens its all going to be ok..... then let it go.. whatever happens!!!! happens.

As Nike says "JUST DO IT!!!!!!"

We all have faith in you Carey, you just have to find it and it will carry you through!!!!

Dennis

Carey,

Girl, you are a runner.  20-25 miles per week is nothing to balk about.  I think once you start running races you will find an incredible amount of self confidence and drive.  All I think about now is running and my next race...how to train, etc.  As a teenager I never played sports but always dreamed of being a great runner.  Literally dreamed.  I was in track but only briefly....I quit because I figured I wasn't good enough and wouldn't be a star runner.  I expected to be good when I got on the track and never realized that running takes work if you want to improve.  I started running in January as a New Year's resolution at the age of 41.  I ran my first 5k in August.  Now I have a goal of one per month and I plan on doing my first HM in March.  I am elated that I have stuck with it this long and truly love it. 

Go into it with the mindset that you are going to do your best and then work from that event to improve your times....compete against yourself.  You will be extremely nervous but once the race starts it's a blur.  My goal now is to be able to run a 5k at a 8 and a half minute pace.  I went from being able to barely run a mile to running a mile in 12 minutes, then 10 minutes, etc.  I was determined to beat 30 minutes in a 5k and I did it last week....29.58.  Every time I run a race there's an improvement.  YOU CAN DO IT!  I want you to experience what I am experiencing and love it.

Teri

I'll second all the good thoughts that others have already mentioned. In addition, I'd recommend trying to make your first race a fun experience. If you have a choice, pick a race that has a reputation for being well-organized. Small to medium sized (up to about 1000 runners) is also helpful, so things aren't too hectic before and in the early stages of the race. A scenic course is a nice touch. In your case, if you're running a race called the Frozen Foot 5K, I'd think you're running in quite a cold climate. Do make sure to dress appropriately for the temperature and weather. Most of all, relax. Think about your own race. Run only against yourself, and against the clock if you wish. This is YOUR time. Take advantage of it and enjoy it.

Carey,

I look to people like you for inspiration. I don't run as much as you do and I plan to do a 5K on December 14th. I am doing the races for fun and I am not a good runner by any means, but I am improving. I had not run since high school and was inspired by a friend at work. She has made an amazing tranformation in the past year and is running half marathons at a decent pace, in my opinion. I never thought I could do it but I saw her drive and determination and relized that I could do the same, and started a walk/run training plan that I found here. The 5Ks I have participated in made me feel good just to be there and I did the best I could. I am setting a goal now with each one I plan to attend. Meeting my personal goals has been so uplifting. My family was so proud of me this Thanksgiving holiday. It was so nice to get compliments.

Be proud! Enjoy your race. You are an inspiration.

Thank you,

Kelly

No one here is going to tell you not to.  Think about how inspiring you running in a race is going to be to your kids.