How to Run Faster 5K Races

Ready to ramp up your efforts and learn how to run faster 5k races? After initial training and practice, and a few good races under your belt, you might feel as if you've reach a plateau. Or maybe you're getting competitive and want to ramp it up to win the next race. Ether way, increasing your speed and improving your personal best times are both worthwhile and attainable goals. Here's how to run faster 5k races.

Instructions

  1. Running Faster 5k Races

    • 1

      Asses your current progress and set a goal for improvement. Be realistic and remember that once you meat your goal, you can set a faster one. For example, my best 5k time to date is 20:48. However, I'd love to break 20 minutes. A good goal for me to set is a 5k of 19:30.

    • 2

      Switch up your training routine. You should alternate between endurance days and sprint workouts. You need a combination of the two in order to break from your plateau and run faster 5ks.

    • 3

      Lengthen your long distance runs by 1/2 mile at a time to increase your running endurance. Try to keep up the same pace even as you add the longer distance.

    • 4

      Intensify your track workouts to increase your speed. Try running several 1/4 or 1/2 mile loops at your goal 5k time. Learn what the pace feels like and train your body to work well at that pace.