Among other things, I believe in training beyond the distance you will be racing. For 5k's I recommend training to at least 3.5 miles, and 4 miles would not be pushing it.

Most of your running should be at a slow, easy speed, a speed where you can easily hold a conversation. With running 2-3 times a week, at most one should be an uptempo run.

Also, you've got to give it time. Keep up a consistent training schedule and I can pretty much guarantee you'll be faster in the spring.

Congrats.