subject: Running a Faster 5K [print this page] Completing a 5k race is a great accomplishment within itself, but, a fast time always makes running fun and exciting. Crossing the finish line and seeing your new personal record always sends a great feeling of pride through your body. Improving your 5k time can be tricky and a little more complicated that you may think. It requires patience, a running plan or guide, and the ability to listen to your body.
When training remembers running a fast 5k doesn't come easy and it doesn't happen overnight. It requires patience and hard work. But if you are confident enough and willing to work for it you will improve your 5k time. It may be worth it to find a running partner to help you train for that fast 5k time.
Most people think the longer you train the faster you become, but, that is completely false. You need a plan and your plan must include speed workouts. You can run 10 miles every day to prepare for your 5k and you will not become a whole lot faster, in fact, in some cases you may become slower. When you run long distances your becomes used to that long slow pace. You need to keep your legs fast with good turnover speed. You need the perfect combination of long runs and speed workouts. Mixing up your long runs with fast intervals, such as, repeats and repeats with short rest in between each interval would be the perfect plan. The amount of intervals you do is up to how your body feels but I would recommend at least 3 miles worth. If you work in some fast intervals your legs used to a fast pace run and build strength as well as good turnover. It's the perfect combination to run a faster 5k time.
Lastly, you need to listen to your body. If you ever abnormal fatigue, pain, light headed, or irregularities you need to stop and rest. Your body with tell you when enough is enough and you need to listen. If you don't you can injure yourself and all your hard work will be thrown out the window. If you need an extra rest day then you should take the extra rest day and let your body recoup before continuing onto your faster 5k running plan. Sometimes rest is the most important thing in long distance running.
