Preparing for a 5K Race?

Question

I used to run seriously back when I was in high school at about a 6 minute mile pace. This was roughly 8 years ago, and have not done much serious exercising since then. I started training about a week ago, and was wondering if it is feasible to start training and in four months be able to break 18 minutes in a 5k.

Answer 1

I can’t answer whether you will run a sub 18 minute 5K race.  But yes you can be ready to run a 5K race in as little as 10 weeks.  Cool Running offers a “Couch Potato to 5K” running schedule which takes you from the couch to 5K in about 8 weeks.  So  you can certainly train to a 5K distance quickly.  No whether you can recapture your youth and running speed does it matte.

If you can break 18 minutes that certainly will put you in the front for most 5K races you will find.  

harry

Answer 2

From what you've said, I seriously doubt you will be able to run under 18 min. for a 5K.  If you'd said you haven't been running but are in great physical shape (lots of cardio throughout the years and playing a sport which involves a lot of running such as soccer or basketball) I'd say probably could.  Many train throughout the year and still can't get under 18 min., not saying it's impossible ........but going to be very difficult.  Good Luck

Answer 3

Depending how good of shape your in now, and how much you do per day .. i think it is possible to attain this goal.

If you set aside some time every day and exercise for a bit you would definitly be able to break the eighteen minutes.

Answer 4

It all depends what kind of shape you are now. I'd say it is possible, but you would have to get a solid 5:45 mile pace to break 18 minutes. You have to train yourself physically and mentally as well. You have to be sure not to train yourself too hard, or you will burn out. Be sure to take a day off every once and awhile.

Answer 5

Probably not, assuming you haven't done any running in the last 8 years. Before you can even work on speed you have to work on distance. Just being able to run 3 miles without having to stop will probably be a challenge at first. And, if you go too hard at it without gradually building up your mileage and speed you might burn yourself out and become injured. I would recommend building up a base first, before you start doing speedwork, tempo runs, etc....See how you are doing in a month and base your goal time on that. Test your 5k time during your training and subtract 1 minute or so to come up with an attainable goal. You might not break 18 minutes your first race, but you will eventually!