Can a 5-km time be improve by 2 minutes within ten months? (e.g 18:35 minutes - 16:35 minutes)?

Question

I believe it takes more than just ten months. But if it is possible, that's the real thing that makes me a bit curious. I've been studying the human body's response and I find runners a good subject too. Apart from that, I learn to love the sport of running distances... Thank you

Answer 1

I would say it depends on what the runner has been doing in training and where he/she is in their life cycle.  I could see a growing 16 year old who hasn't been very dedicated doing it, but not a dedicated 25 year old.  You get the picture.  It is possible for sure.

Answer 2

yes, easily. I have seen that kind of improvement over the course of 2 months in Army basic training.

Answer 3

It depends.  Not everyone can run 16:35 regardless of how long they train. In addition, if a runner has been training for several years and has already more or less reached their potential, it is unlikely that they can improve this much.  However, if a runners has the ability to run 16:35 but is currently only in shape to run 18:35 then yes, it is possible to go from 18:35 to 16:35 in 10 months.

According to Jack Daniels, most people can improve about 10 points on his VDOT scale from their base fitness level.  1 improvement of VDOT equates to approximately 15 sec in a 5k race and it takes about 3 weeks of training for this improvement.  So anyone who consistently follows a good training regime can expect to improve  their 5K time about 2 to 2:30 over a 1 to 2 year period (assuming no injuries or other setbacks) from their initial untrained time.