Tips For How to Run a Faster 5K

Photo by Curtis MacNewton on Unsplash

With gyms and studios closed during this pandemic, many of us have taken to running outside. Even though most races are canceled for the time being, it’s always nice to challenge yourself by trying to run a faster 5K. So, what are some ways to run a faster 5K?

Do a Weekly Long Run

Once a week, run five to six miles so that when you run those 3.1 miles on the other days of the week, it will feel like a breeze.

Work on Explosive Power

Start incorporating power work like jumping lunges, box jumps, weighted squats, and kettlebell swings into your cross-training sessions. These exercises will help give you more power when it’s time to sprint at the end of your run.

Run by Feel

We all have fitness watches or apps to track our runs, but instead of focusing on your pace and splits during your run, just enjoy the run and check your stats when you finish running.

Know What to Expect

Your first mile will probably be quicker than you anticipated and the second mile is for setting your pace. During your third mile, you’ll want to stop and slow down as you’ll start feeling pain, but it’s when you need to pick up the pace. Wait until you have about 1/4 mile left to sprint.