Obviously, if you want to run a 5K faster than you’ve ever had, you have to add some speed work in your training plan.

It’s not only about running faster, though. Sprints increase your stamina and improve the range of movement in your joints.

I’ve seen a lot of athletes training for a 5K by running the full distance. Yes, it might build your endurance, but it’ll take you a lot of time and effort.

Instead, dedicate two sessions a week for running 10 sets of 200m. Start the first set with your casual speed and gradually increase it toward the last one.

There’s nothing better than uphill running to improve the flexibility and strength of your muscles.

Sprint uphill on a 10-percent incline for 10 seconds. Then walk downhill to avoid putting excessive pressure on your knees. Start easy at first with 5 sprints and walk your way toward longer periods and repetitions.

If your body has some extra pounds to lose, now is a perfect time. Studies show that you can run two seconds per mile faster for every pound you lose.

And of course, this doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of your daily calorie requirements. Otherwise, you won’t have enough energy for training.

Before you can beat your time record in a 5K, you have to break your record in training reps. Doing 15 reps of squats is good for normal people, but champions must commit to much more.

Slowly increase your reps until you reach the best you can do.

Your exercise needs to return to normal a week before the race to avoid muscle fatigue. Limit your training to short runs with minimal sprints.

Two days before the race, take the day off and maybe Netflix and chill! You definitely deserve it!

If the race will be held in an open route, like a neighborhood or a wooded trail, practice a couple of test runs before the big day.

This way, you’ll be familiar with the hills, turns, and the overall route condition. This will give you a huge plus over people running the course for the first time.

If you’ve run a 5K before, then you probably know how the stress skyrockets in the night before the big day.

Prepare yourself and start sleeping early 3 days before the race to prevent stress from ruining your sleep.

You’ve done your best, and now it’s time to reap the rewards.

Here are some tips to do on the big day

I know I know. You can’t go anywhere without people telling you to cool your nerves. But it’s actually important.

You’ve prepared well for this day and you’ll hopefully do a good job. Even if you didn’t, the journey is the treasure! You’re mainly doing this for the sake of your body.

You don’t want to faint in the middle of a 5K, do you? Eat a 200-calorie low-fiber meal that’s rich in proteins and light carbs 2 hours before the race.

Moreover, drink around 20 oz of liquids around the same time to make sure you don’t excessively crave water during the race.

Some runners prefer to save their energy for the actual race. They might be somewhat right, but they’re also increasing the likelihood of cramps and injuries.

It doesn’t have to be tiring. A 30-minute light jog will do the trick.

I surely wish your big day would be as smooth as possible. But you might get stuck in traffic, lose a lot of time searching for an open spot in the parking lot, no one knows what could happen!

It’s better to be prepared. Plan to get to the racing route at least 1 hour early.

The starting line will be full of people with different experiences and varying paces. Usually, experts stand in the front while beginners stay in the back.

It’s always convenient to start in the middle. This way, you’ll have a feel for how fast you need to go based on people around you.

I see a lot of rookie runners making an absolutely basic, yet destructive mistake. They often deplete the biggest part of their energy in the first mile, completely forgetting about the other two!

Always start slowly and build up your speed around the second half of the race.

Stay focused and hug every curve before it comes to shorten the overall distance. You’ll be thankful for those small meters in the end.

Never look at the ground. Always gaze up when climbing an uphill to keep your body well balanced.

Like I said before, rushing downhills can mess up your knees big time. This becomes especially important during stressful races.

Ok that may have been a little dramatic but seriously, no matter how your performance was, start planning for your future. Sign up for a new race. 

To Sum Up

Doing more sprints, practicing plyometric workouts, doing more reps, staying relaxed, and warming up. These were among the 22 tips to run your fastest 5K this year.

Remember, you’re doing this to keep your body in the best shape. It doesn’t really matter if you win or lose.