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Help me plan for my next 5K?

Hi All,

I ran my first 5K in the beginning of April. Then, I took several weeks off from running and focused on strength training and other forms of cardio (biking and circuit training). I was feeling burned out from running...but I do love it and now I want to get back into it.

There is a good local 5K happening on May 19 (approximately 3 weeks away). In my last 5K, I finished in 30:01. I ran the first 2 miles at a 9:30 pace, but then had to walk/run the last mile. I would love to cut that down by at least 1 minute for my next 5K and finish sub-30. The training plans I have seen suggest needing 12 weeks to achieve a sub-30 5K.

Is this goal possible to achieve in the next 3 weeks? How would you go about getting faster? I've heard about speedwork, so if you know about that could you give me some specific suggestions since I am short on time?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Help me plan for my next 5K?

  • I don't have a specific plan to give you, but what has worked for me (mind you I am a lot slower than you) but long runs on the weekend have helped me up my endurance which helps me run faster on shorter distances, combined with just intervals of running faster on shorter runs during the week. 
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  • We just got a new Runner's World and it had an article on how to break 30/25/20.  I didn't actually read the article, but I am sure it will be on their site in a couple of days.

    I don't think your problem as much a speed problem as it is an endurance problem.  If you had to run/walk the last mile I would keep adding distance so you can make it through the last mile. 

    What is your current training plan?

  • Thanks for both of your replies! I am getting back into running after taking a break and focusing on other forms of cardio and strength training.

    I will plan to run 3-4 days a week, building up to a point where I can comfortably run 3.5 to 4 miles. I like the suggestions of mixing up shorter faster runs with a longer endurance run. I will try to have two short runs (1.5-2 miles) at a fast pace and another 1 or 2 runs that are longer but slower (4 miles - ish).

    What do you think?

    Thank you for your help!

  • what has your longest distance been so far?
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  • 2 weeks prior to my 5K I ran 3 and then 3.5, but was struggling with some calf and knee pain (overuse due to prior injuries) so I backed off. I could comfortably run 2.5 right before my race.
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