5k Runs

googlehead

I have started running in the last few months, and only in the last month I have
run sometimes twice a week, I am fit enough I think. I have ran 3, 5k's now, my first was nearly 24mins and now I done my last in 18.40secs. I see guys at the top of each race running 15.30-16.30secs. would it require alot of training for me to run 17mins? or does that depends on my natural ability? am I at a stage now where I won't take much more of my time? I feel when I am running the 5k's I could run faster, but I try and pace myself a bit as at the end of every race I have given everthing and I start to fade threw my fitness.

RoyMcC

If you're running those times off only two runs per week you certainly have some talent. But to realise your potential you'd have to train far more regularly, and specifically. Whatever you may think I suspect you're far from peak fitness as regards running.

For the guys/gals on here to advise you properly we'd need a lot more details - your age, other sports done, what your goals are, what distances you are targetting (just 5ks?), etc.

Good luck.

gerard65

googlehead wrote: »

I have started running in the last few months, and only in the last month I have
run sometimes twice a week, I am fit enough I think. I have ran 3, 5k's now, my first was nearly 24mins and now I done my last in 18.40secs. I see guys at the top of each race running 15.30-16.30secs. would it require alot of training for me to run 17mins? or does that depends on my natural ability? am I at a stage now where I won't take much more of my time? I feel when I am running the 5k's I could run faster, but I try and pace myself a bit as at the end of every race I have given everthing and I start to fade threw my fitness.

Ever think of joining a club. A coach would instruct you as the right approch to take. If you running those times of little training you'd show a big improvement with more structured training.

googlehead

RoyMcC wrote: »

If you're running those times off only two runs per week you certainly have some talent. But to realise your potential you'd have to train far more regularly, and specifically. Whatever you may think I suspect you're far from peak fitness as regards running.

For the guys/gals on here to advise you properly we'd need a lot more details - your age, other sports done, what your goals are, what distances you are targetting (just 5ks?), etc.

Good luck.

not exactly young 31:D
I cycle maybe 1 or 2 times a week since march.
not alot of sports in the last few years(been lazy)
I do 1hour training every week which is coached, mainly
100-150 sprints 75% 80% all out etc. 800 fast 100 jog
800 100 jog etc.
Distances? well I am not sure but as I am new to it I have only done
5k's but I think I might like to try 10k too.

You'r right I do feel that I am not at peak fitness at all.When I am
running I feel I am tiring to easy for the pace I feel I can run, like in a 5k
race I have to hold back as I know I will be out of breath easily if I pick up my pace.

googlehead

gerard65 wrote: »

Ever think of joining a club. A coach would instruct you as the right approch to take. If you running those times of little training you'd show a big improvement with more structured training.

Yeah might do, I basically got into it to lose the belly:D , but I am really
enjoying it, I was always fast when I was young but I never tried running.
I'm not exactly going to take the world by storm, but it gets addictive and
I am enjoying trying to push myself and improve,

RoyMcC

If you're looking to run 5/10ks then you need to get some miles in your legs. Maybe (1) some over-distance aerobic training and (b) more tempo runs at or above race distance. Seems like you have good speed and general fitness but lack of the above means you are fading - not holding onto your speed.

I'm far from a MD expert - maybe one or two of the experienced lads could step in and advise. But for starters here is Hal Higdon's intermediate 5k plan.