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Click to view genghisjohn's profile Amateur
genghisjohn
16 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Dec 10, 2007 2:33 PM

20 min 5k

Hey guys,
I've been running now for about 5 months, I completed the one hour runner and the C25K plan and am currently doing Hal's Half marathon training. My long term goal is a 5k in 19:59, I'm currently running a 25:30 5k and I was just wondering how much of a stretch this would be for me? Currently running about 15 mpw but that will increase to the mid 20's in the next two months due to HM training.

Is this doable in a year? I understand I'm currently training for distance, but I'd like to train for speed afterwards.

Thanks
Click to view Better than yesterday's profile Legend
Better than yesterday
786 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Dec 11, 2007 3:30 PM in response to: genghisjohn
How old are you?
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Click to view protoplasm72's profile Pro
protoplasm72
106 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Dec 11, 2007 6:06 PM in response to: genghisjohn
It's not easy. A lot will depend on your age and natural running ability. I was in almost the same spot you are a year and a half ago and I'm at around 21 minutes now. You'll probably drop 2-3 minutes within 6 months but then you'll be lucky to drop 30 seconds in another 6 months and 10-15 seconds in another 6 months. It just gets much harder to improve the faster you get.

I'd suggest getting up to 30-40 mpw then working on some speed training. The increased distance alone will greatly help your speed in shorter distances.

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Click to view saviorfaire's profile Pro
saviorfaire
188 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Dec 11, 2007 6:53 PM in response to: genghisjohn
Your age, athletic history, fitness level, are factors. Age being the biggest.
Why dont you set a goal for next year to cut 1 minute off your time and take it from there, then work on that.
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