First Real 5k

Your first real 5K goal should be to finish. Doesn't matter how long it takes or how much of it you walk. Use the first race as a starting point. If you want to race more then use this race as an improving point after that.

I've lead a few Run For God groups (similar to a couch to 5K) and this is what I tell them for a goal which totally is dependent on their fitness level. First race goal should be to just finish to set your time, don't worry if you have to walk a portion like the hills. Second race is to jog the whole 3.1 miles and improve first race time. All following races your goal is to continue cutting that time down by minutes.

The majority of my groups would finish their first 5K race in the 30-45 minute range. I've seen many cut their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th race time by 2-4 minutes each.

Trying to keep pace with others will likely get you winded very quickly. Best advice I got before my first race was slow and steady. I ran the whole thing thinking I couldn't possibly.

I'm not a runner either.. well I wasn't..

I did my first one in 30 minutes last month. I had no goal other then to finish

My second one is on Dec 7th as well.- My goal is to match or beat my first time. :~)

I am still not a runner, but I'm starting to like it.. go figure..

(ps my picture if from my 1st 5k,.. I was halfway though it and still smiling!)

Congrats for signing up! I just ran my first 5K last weekend, and I am right there with ya. I am competitive and was also nervous as all get out. WAAAYYY back in the day I ran track, so I've always loved running and knew my limits, but I set my goal to finish in 30 minutes. When you are running you will tend to keep a better pace because you are in the pack and it will push you. I ended up finishing in 26:48 Here is the link to the program I "trained" with: http://www.wildcatfitness.net/2011/10/5-weeks-to-a-5k/.

Those distance days really get to show you how you will fend on actual race day. My advice (in no particular order):

1) Make sure you take at least one rest day during the week.
2) Get a good pair of running shoes. There are specialty stores where you can get "fitted" if you will to make sure you get what's best for you. You don't have to buy them there--just say thank you and you want to think about it then go buy them online or at another store.
3) Listen to your body! When I was training my knee really started acting up--I wore a brace during the day and made sure I kept it well. If something hurts don't push it and take care of it. Oh, and STRETCH REALLY GOOD when you are finished!
4) Make a play list with the songs that you like. I didn't necessarily put songs that had a fast running pace, I just went with ones that I enjoyed and kept my mind clear. I also tried to order them at points when I knew I needed an extra push (I had Katy Perry "Roar" at the end and it so helped).
5) There is no shame in walking at some point. I knew I wanted to finish in 30 minutes, but I stopped at the water spots because I needed to swig at least a little bit and I thought I was going to choke if I didn't stop, and I also had to walk for a few seconds to pace my breathing once. It all depends on your goal--there are some that just want to be able to run the whole thing, some want a certain time.
6) On the couple days leading up, I added more carbs to my dinner (hey, I needed a reason to eat that plate of spaghetti and not feel guilty!). Drink your water!! On race day I had a bagel with hummus and banana,about 3 hrs before, then about 1 hr before I had a Powerbar and was drinking Gatorade on the way and I felt great.
7) I took a nice warm bath, had a cup of hot tea, and got to bed at a decent time so I could relax and try to sleep. Your nerves are probably going to make it hard to fall asleep, so try to do what you can to relax.

Hope that helps! Good luck!!

Oh, and make sure you have the absolute best shoes possible! The shoes I always wear to work out in wore out on me and left me with some sore tootsies afterwards lol