Emergency!! 3 Days till 5k, strained hip flexor!! HELP!

sjwright66

Hey guys, I really need some advice here. My friend and I are running our first 5k on Saturday (three days from today). Yesterday I went 3.4 miles, a few minutes after I got back (after stretching and drinking water) I noticed a sharp pain in the right side of my hip (my hip flexor). Ever since, it has hurt... Not too bad but it's pretty uncomfortable. I am eating a boat load of protein, icing it, took Acetaminophen, and stretched it a little. Today we are practice running to learn our pace, I will try to take it slow but is there anything else I can do?? Also, will it damage my hip to keep running? Or will resting after the 5k for a while heal it? Are there any good stretches? Should I ice it or apply heat? I read from a few sources (e.g. livestrong, etc.) that you can do either but is there a preferred one? I need all the help I can get right now. I would be thankful for ANY advice.

Thank you!!