As for the water bottle...This is what I use for running outside! It rocks!

http://www.amphipod.com/320/320.html

If you're not comfortable participating in the 5k then don't for now. There will be plenty of 5k races to participate in future whenever you're ready. But, for me, the best way to conquer fear was to sign up for the race. I was determined to finish it running/walking within the time allotted. My fear was not finishing the race on time and being the last one to reach the finish line. Silly! I know, but that's what I kept thinking about and that is what kept me going at home.

All races usually have 1-2 water stations.

I run on my treadmill too. And, before the race I always ran/walked on the treadmill. I do run outside now but not often. I still use my treadmill a lot. So, you can run/walk the 5k race .

You should be proud of yourself for taking a step to a new, healthy you. If someone says something negative to you then, that is their problem. You are doing great!

I agree with Idealmuse, running at 1% incline is almost like outside. Why not try running outside? Maybe, one day, you can go and see how you feel (maybe in the afternoon when the sun sets so it's less hot). Have you looked into wick clothing? I know Target has some and you could go to any running/athletic store and find some. They are great for moisture management.

I cannot stress enough - good running shoes and good support bra.

Momof5k--- as someone is has run incountless races of almost all distances, and of almost all sizes (from 30 runners to over 54,000 runners-the bolderboulder) i can tell you with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that you will NOT be out of place!! You will NOT stick out, and to be honest, no one will even pay any attention to you..i PROMISE!!!! runners are very caught up in their own running to pay any attention to anyone else. Of course, there is going to be the tiny athletic woman who breezes by running at faster than a 7 minute mile without breaking a sweat, her hair and makeup all intact, perfectly matching outfit, and all youll be able to think is "wow. i wish i could give her a sandwhich--she REALLY looks like she could use one". And then there will be women much heavier than you by far, who still MIGHT run by you at a faster pace!! running in a 5k is highly enjoyable, and the time will go by so fast. Running outside really is not that much different. As othrs suggested, try setting the treadmill incline to 1%, and if you can find the opportunity, try running outside one or two times...You can go uber early in the morning, so others wont be around to see you, if that is your concern....I think once you get to the race, and experience it, you will find that your self doubts will begin to melt away, revealing a more confident you!! its an expeirence that could make all the difference for you!! Godd luck with whatever you decide!!

Here are a couple of articles citing scientific studies that dispute the idea the wind resistance makes running outside harder than running on a treadmill: "The 1% Incline Treadmill Myth" and "The 1% Incline Treadmill Myth Part 2." I suspect your friend is feeling a little threatened by your progress. It might feel a little harder to run outdoors (if nothing else, there's not as much give to the running surface) but I don't think it will be anywhere near as bad as your friend has suggested.

As for sweating, I drip sweat when I run indoors on a treadmill but I don't sweat like this when I run outdoors. You could carry a small towel with you when you run outdoors, but I find this isn't necessary. I usually just carry a men's hankerchief (monogrammed and everything) and that is plenty to wipe my sweat when I'm running outdoors.

Likewise, so long as I run during the cooler parts of the day, I find that I don't need my water bottle when I run outdoors. I would never run on the TM without water, but I just don't get as hot and thirsty outdoors. Probably because the "wind resistance" cools me off.

And running outdoors is fun. There are birds and other wildlife around and interesting things to look at. And it's like a club; all the other runners wave to you. Even when I was at my most out of shape and could barely run four blocks without stopping, the other runners still waved to me, just like I was one of them. No one ever waves to me when I'm running on the TM.

Thanks everyone for the tips and support!!

BlueToBlue: The was a very interesting read. Thank you!

I am still not certain what I will do regarding the upcoming 5K. We are leaving for holidays for 10 days on Friday so I am not sure if I will get a chance to run at all while we are away.

As was also said though, this is not the only 5K around so if this one isn't it the cards for me, another will be. That being said, I am already dreaming of writing a "Ran my firat 5K" post so....we'll see.

I am interested in learning more about how intervals increase weight loss though (can anyone point me in the right direction?) and am considering buying a Nike+ thing for my ipod to track my progress (anyone else use one?)

No matter what is going on though...I am still running!!

Thanks chicks