The sub-20 5k dread-thread

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Aug 2016
9:56pm, 2 Aug 2016
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Windsor Wool
Charlie - do you think you might benefit from putting a target race in the calendar and building towards it. Racing takes it out of you, even an under par one. In my experience constantly peaking is impossible. Some do it but I know the big focus works for me.
Aug 2016
10:35pm, 2 Aug 2016
4,023 posts
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Huntsman
Also if you get into the cycle of tapering for each race then your aerobic base suffers too.
Aug 2016
8:57am, 3 Aug 2016
285 posts
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CharlieP
I think you're probably right - I've gone a bit mad this year entering races left, right and centre (I will probably end up doing almost as many in 2016 as in all previous years combined), and trying to do my best in all of them. Though after next Wednesday I have over a month race-free, and will be concentrating on my half marathon, so should hopefully be a bit more sensible and structured...
Aug 2016
9:02am, 3 Aug 2016
286 posts
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CharlieP
Will definitely do Newstead Abbey next year - didn't really know about it until it was too late (I only moved to Nottingham in April).
Aug 2016
9:18am, 3 Aug 2016
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Pedro_Perez
Another one for the diary Charlie that is earlier in the year.

Monday 1 May 2017 : Southwell 5km Trail Race - 11.30am - The Whistle Stop pub, Station Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire

runningwithdavid.com

REALLY low key event, dead flat out and back course, just the one turn.

Enter on the day. :-)
Aug 2016
9:38am, 4 Aug 2016
1,975 posts
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Pedro_Perez
Good race last night Charlie, nearly got me at the end, well done! :-)

I am planning on getting back into the 19 minute 5k range myself, its been a while.

What works for me first is miles, lots and lots of them as a base. A good solid few months of miles in the bag to start of with, dead simple running long for fun and enjoyment before the hard work starts, BUT don't push your body too hard as you don't want to break it, the HM training will do you good.

After that I add threshold runs that simulate the pain, effort and concentration required for a good 5k. Typically these runs are at my 10k pace, I see MASSIVE improvements when I am fit enough to do longer LT pace runs and then comes of the back of base training.

Whenever I have run 19 minute 5k's my 10k's are around the 40 minute mark and my HM is around the 1:30 mark.

ENJOY! :-)
Aug 2016
11:01pm, 9 Aug 2016
447 posts
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chipn
Club 5k Handicap tonight, I clocked 19:49 but it only measured 3.08, can I claim a sub 20?
Unfortunately I think not, but it shows I'm in shape if I can find a good race
Aug 2016
11:05pm, 9 Aug 2016
4,054 posts
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Huntsman
Yes you can chipn if it was officially measured.
Aug 2016
11:07pm, 9 Aug 2016
448 posts
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chipn
Which I'm told it is (officially measured) - would be my first sub 20 in 7 years
Aug 2016
11:22pm, 9 Aug 2016
4,055 posts
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Huntsman
Well in that case well done on your 1st sub 20 in 7 years :-)

About This Thread

Maintained by Homer
For those aiming to get a sub-20 5k

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  • 5k
  • goals
  • sub
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