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No matter how in shape you think you are, running a 5K can still be a trying experience. If you're determined to run a 5k in 20 minutes, here are some steps that will help you perform your best on race day.
Steps
Train extensively weeks before the race. By developing a training regimen you'll be able to improve your time drastically. Try doing the following exercises to train for a 5K.[1]- Run up hills. Be sure to be perpendicular to the hill and lift your knees, using the proper healthy running form.
- Run intervals. Run the mile four times, an 800 six times, a 600 eight times, or a 400 ten times. Vary these. Miles should be close to race pace with 3-5 minutes rest intervals. The 600s and 800s work best at 5 seconds per 400 faster than race pace and 2-3 minutes rest interval. 400s in 86-92 would develop adequate speed. Rest 1:30 between each 400
- Practice speeding up when you run. Run a comfortable pace then speed up for about 50 to 100 meters then slow down again. Repeat.
- Run hard courses. Most people do not run very fast when practicing so it is best to run hard courses to still speed up.
- If the weather is not great, you can train on a treadmill using a level 2 or 3 inclination.
Take time to recover. Don't overtrain. Remember it takes your body 3-4 days to recover from a reps session. Ideally, do this on a Monday or Tuesday and race on a Saturday.[2]Advertisement
Keep track of your training times. Running 5K in less than 20 minutes requires running at 6:26 pace for 3.1 miles (5.0 km). You need to be able to run at least a 6:00 mile before you run this 5k in under 20 minutes. This alone still won't guarantee you your goal time. You must train regularly.
Rest before the big race. Do not do push-ups, pull-ups or any other strenuous activities. Just stretch and spend time relaxing.[3]- Eat whole wheat pasta for dinner. Muscles receive energy from glucose which is found in pasta, and the complex carbs will help fuel you for the race.
- Go to bed early and make sure you get enough good-quality rest before your big race. It's important to be well-rested in the days prior to the race. It's common to get the nerves the night before, but if you're resting consistently, it won't matter as much.
- Wake up early. Save yourself enough time to eat a good, but light breakfast at least an hour before the race.
Warm up. If it is cold on race day, keep your muscles warm by stretching.[4] Do some quick sprints up to 100m right before the race.- Do dynamic stretching beforehand, not static. Dynamic is more moving (i.e. Lunges) and static is more still (i.e. Touching your toes).
Start fast but not too fast. You don't want to run out of gas early. Try to find someone at your pace and settle yourself near the front at the start. Pick an athlete just in front of you who looks experienced - grey-haired vets are ideal - imagine a rope between the two of you and that rope shortening until you are on their shoulder.
Check your time. If there are mile markers you might want to keep track of your time along the way. If you realize that you are running too slow then you can speed up.[5]- Your first mile should be about 6:25, but preferably faster.
- Get your second-mile split. It should be under 13:00.
Finish strong by sprinting at the end. Empty the rest of what's in your tank and give it all you've got. Check your time and celebrate.
Usain Bolt, Olympic SprinterTrust your training. "Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself."
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- QuestionHow do you do well in a 5K race?
Laila AjaniLaila Ajani is a Fitness Trainer and founder of Push Personal Fitness, a personal training organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 10 years as a trainer and exercise specialist, Laila has expertise in competitive athletics (gymnastics, powerlifting, and tennis), personal training, distance running, and Olympic lifting. Laila is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and she is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).
Fitness TrainerHow you train is how you're going to run the race. With this in mind, don't change anything from how you've been training. - QuestionWhat should I eat and drink after running for good health?
Community AnswerPasta is helpful, as it will help restore your energy. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the week, not just before the run. Lastly, remember to practice, but don't overwork yourself. - QuestionWhat should I eat before running a race?
Community AnswerEat something light on your stomach like a protein bar and banana, about one hour before before you run.
Tips
- Be confident. If you know you will run it under 20:00 min, you probably will.Thanks
- Do not get too nervous. It will slow you down.Thanks
- Don't just run, but race! Keep passing people and it will boost your confidence and bring your time down.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- Take long breaths while running. It will boost your body's oxygen and reduce strain and stress.
- In addition to stretching before you run, make sure to stretch after the run.
Warnings
- Running on roads can be very dangerous; always watch for cars. Run on the left side of the road (or the right, in countries where cars drive on the left), against traffic unless conditions are prohibitive. It is easier to see a car coming ahead than it is to hear it from behind. (Remember - it's never the car you hear that hits you - it's the car behind it.)Thanks
- Do not push yourself too hard, it is dangerous. It should hurt but not too much.Thanks
- Running on concrete (and asphalt to a lesser extent) can be hard on your joints, if something hurts stop running and see a doctor.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about running a marathon, check out our in-depth interview with Laila Ajani.
References
About This Article
If you want to run a 5K in 20 minutes, you’ll need to develop a training regimen weeks before the race to help improve your time. As you train, practice speeding up for intervals during your run. For example, go at a comfortable pace for the beginning of your run, then speed up for about 50 to 100 meters before slowing down and repeating the process throughout the session. Additionally, practice on harder courses so when it’s time to run the 5K, it will be easier to speed up. Rest is important, so don’t forget to schedule 3 to 4 days of recovery before your race. Before the race, get plenty of sleep and eat a light breakfast about an hour beforehand. For more tips, like how to warm up before the race, read on.
Reader Success Stories
"All of the tips were helpful but especially the one where it said you need to keep at least a 6:23 mile."
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