How do I set a good goal for a 5K race?

Question

Last year my PR was 19:30 but I've been training a lot harder and running more distance on my cross country team. What should I take into account when setting a goal?

Answer 1

You should plan a goal that is achievable.  Time your self running 3 (close to 5k) and see what time you get.  From there you can decide if you want to go faster or whatnot.  Good luck!!

Keep running,

Live the running Gal

Answer 2

You should have different goals.

Since your pr was 19:30 the first goal could be to get under 19:15.

Then under 19:00.

Remember that there are short term and long term goals.

How did you place in the meets?

It is important to remember that you can not control what anyone else does, you can only control yourself.

Being able to adjust  your goals during the season is a good idea.

If your goal was to run 19:00 and you did that on your first race what are you aiming for the rest of the season?

Answer 3

I would aim much higher.  1 year can make a big difference.  I would aim for sub 18 minutes.  I would also keep track of each K and try to identify how to pace yourself accordingly throughout the 5K.

The step by step approach is good, but just remember it might be hard to beat your last years time on your first race.  It takes time to get back into shape...