This 5K will be better, right?

I normally dread 5Ks, but I'm hopeful for this one.

Why?

Look at the start time! It's not early morning!

I picked up my packet at my running group tonight!

One of the many benefits of being in a running group at a running store.

And, the coolest thing: one of my coaches is pacing me. What's her plan?

• Mile 1: I will tell her stories.
• Mile 2: We will have a conversation.
• Mile 3: She will tell me stories.

The idea is that I will start off easy and keep getting faster. Mile 3 sounds a little scary, but I think I'm ready for it. The speed work we've been doing has to help, right? 

Thanks to the brilliant Bean, I have A, B and C goals for the race:

• Goal A: less than 34:32 (my lowest official 5K time)
• Goal B: between 34:32 and 36:00
• Goal C: have fun and don't fall in the water 

For some reason, my running confidence isn't that high right now. I think those pesky long runs are messing with me. All of these goals seem unattainable now. I know I shouldn't think that way, but I can't help it. Hopefully, I can prove myself wrong.  

Do you like 5Ks? Have you ever been paced? How did it go? Have you ever lost your running confidence? How did you get it back?