Hello!

I guess I will introduce myself here! My name is Laura, I'm 17 from Ontario, Canada. And I'm about to be the only cross country runner-who can't run.

This is my grade 12 year, so my last chance to join any sport teams at my school. Before I had been working so often, I never got the chance. I used to run a couple of years ago just for liesure, but I never went out for more then 10 minutes at a slow pace. Just something to get me out in the fresh air.
Anyway, my plan was to work hard over the Summer and join the cross country team this year. However, I got sick back in March, so was unable to start running until very recently. And by recently, I mean a few days ago.

I went out for the first time on Thursday night and forgot how much fun running can be...even if I couldn't even go a full Km, with breaks inbetween. I was talking to my english teacher, who is also the cross country coach, about it. He asked me if I wanted to join the team. Ok-he insisted. He said it's not just about the races, but about setting goals for myself. He gave me the permission form, and said let him know on Monday. So, I spent the weekend running twice a day. To tell you where I am:
Today, on run #1, the distance was probably a total distance was probably around the 4-5Km mark. I probably only ran a total of 3Km, taking quite a few walking breaks inbetween. Half of it was all the way uphill, so I was pretty happy about that. And of course...the other half was back down :)
For run #2, it was about a total distance of 4 Km, and I probably only ran a total of 1.5Km, with walking breaks in between. So, definatly nothing to call home about, but I'd say a huge improvment from day one.

The dilemma:
the next meet (races are 5Km) is October 2nd, and October 10th. Is it possible for me to be ready in time? Does anyone have any tips for me? How many times should I be running a day?

Any tips you guys can give me would be great.
Laura