Robin, The only thing I can think of that will hurt you between now and Saturday is trying to get something more out of your training.  Your run on the 8th for 3 miles at a 12 minute pace validates both your training to date and the value of rest.  Additional rest with only light running should complete your week.  Stay off your feet as much as possible on Friday and stay hydrated.  I'm sure you no longer doubt your being able to do this.  Others have wisely advised you to stay within your pace.  Don't be deceived because of the adrenaline rush that you can run 10 minute miles.  If you still feel that way with a half mile to go, fine.  Good luck!

I'm so glad I found this.  I will also be running my first 5k event on 3/15/09, and i am extremely nervous.  We are in the same boat, training wise.  After reading all the encouraging posts, I am feeling much better about the run itself, but then I get caught up on the details:  how close is the parking to the starting line?  What do I wear, will I be warm enough?  Where do I put my car keys? Will I need my ID to register?  Should I carry water with me?

Can any of the veteran runners help with some of the small details?

Good Luck Robin, not that you will need it.

Candie

I agree with Poomer.  Carry as little as possible and there will be water along the way and plenty at the end. That was a good idea about the

key - I think I'll use it myself.  If it is an event that has runners, walkers and run/walkers, like my first - the most important thing to remember is

set and keep your own pace. The 1st is probably the hardest for most. Good Luck and let us know how you do. 

Richard

Congrats, the big day is upon ya (Sunday race?)

You are going to be shocked at how adrenalin will move you along.  In fact, if one is not careful, one can go out "too fast".  But thats not really an issue in a 5K.

I started with 5ks 4 years ago.  I have run off and on all my life.  Then 10ks, the 15ks, then half marathons, then marathons, 50Ks and up.  (wow, that looks like an addiction problem, does it not?)

Do not let someone elses pace drive your pace.  Run YOUR race.  In racing there is DNF, DFL, and DNS.  DNS is the worst (did not start).  DNF is "did not finish", and DFL is something about being the last person to finish a race.  Except for rare cases, 5Ks are speed races more suited to younger folks.  Older ones (like me like the longer ones ) where a 20 something speed demon needs more than speed to finish.   Do you have a Fleet Feet store in your town?  Or a very running-community oriented "runner's store"?

Before I go, I want to give you a tip about something that I noted in races, especially speed races.  I bet you will find folks in front of you and behind you.  The ones in front, remember this, they are struggling JUST like you.  The ones behind, they are having even a tougher time.  Get it?

Good luck, can't wait to hear how you did.

Mike (who just ran in a 50 miler today, 4 years after staring to race)

Walking Bear..GOOD FOR YOU!!  I also started (last year) at 260 pounds (5 ft 3 inches) and 55 years old!!  My first 5K I walked the entire way, FAST..but the "high" was awesome.  I felt like I had done something good for the first time in a LONG time.  Now I am 56 years old, lost 128 pounds..and I just completed my 3rd half marathon at 2 hrs 48 minutes..an HOUR better than my first half marathon last October.  So, the best thing I can say is that you have taken the first steps and you CAN do it.  Don't ever worry about what the people around you look like, none of them is any better than you are and everybody has a different reason for being there.  Think how every step leaves a little blood pressure behind, a little cholesterol behind, diabetes behind, etc etc.  Every step..one foot in front of the other.  Walk, then learn walk fast then run a little (if you want), and walk a lot, then run a little more, walk a little less, etc.  Of course, some people like walking so much that is where they stay and good for them!  It doesn't matter what you do, just move.  And, keep entering the races because it keeps you training!!  Take care.  D.

Walking Bear..INDEED you CAN!!!  You know what I have been discovering?  A lot of those "fit" runners you looked at, a lot of those have eating problems also.  It seems a large body of runners run so that they can eat, or drink or whatever.  Because it burns the calories.  So, I figure they are no different than we are.  When I have a long walk/run of 13 or 14 miles I can eat lunch without feeling guilty.  In fact, you can't diet too much or you don't have the energy for the longer runs.  But, the weight did come off.  Of course, I must admit I also did gym work, 3 days a week.  About 2 months ago I have added weights after my cardio and that seems to be helping get rid of some of the loose skin.  You have taken that proverbial first step..and the second, etc.  Like I said, sign up WAY in advance for other races because then you have to keep training.  You keep training, you keep exercising, you keep losing.  See..it's a WIN/WIN situation.  Sign up for the Disney Half Marathon (Orlando) for next January.  It is an awesome event, a long time away to give you training and just generally fun.  Or any place else..the point is in the future so you have to keep training.  It MAKES you move because you have already paid the (nonrefundable) entry fee...D.