Chasing My 5K Pace, Mindlessly

Just last week in my Run & Tone Class a few of my running friends were talking about goals they’d like to achieve in 2019. One of my friends mentioned she’d like to finish her first 5K.

I think she was surprised, among others, when I said, “I am not sure which is worse, racing a 5K or running 26.2?” Running race pace is really hard, especially 5K pace. It’s why I prefer my Friday Long Run days. SLOW AND STEADY and occasionally marathon race pace miles thrown in.

Yes running a marathon is definitely challenging which explains less than 1% of our population even attempt one. They hurt, especially the last 5K.

To be honest, I am not sure I will race a 5K again.. I’ve run a few 5K’s based on the EAT guidelines, and for fun, but racing them is all out painful.

My last 5K was March of 2018, and although I did have fun, and finished strong, race conditions were less than ideal with some ice and wind.

Conditions have been less than idea this winter with LOTS of ice packed roads, but come Spring, I am sure I’ll be joining the ladies for a 5K. Racing it, hmmmm…maybe not.

To be perfectly honest, I used to regret track workouts or speed sessions on a treadmill. Not so much anymore. Every time my workout calls for my 5K pace I know I’ll be challenged and can think about nothing except the sensations in my body as I approach sub 8’s for a duration of time or distance.

After a recent Easy Run with 1 minute at my 5K pace at the end of each mile!

One of my favorite runs is similar to this one where I am running short bursts at my 10K pace. This workout takes it up a notch and incorporates my 5K pace. This run is way more fun since we get to hold on to 5K pace for an entire minute. The first mile I am easing into my easy pace and once I reach that first mile, I run an entire minute at my 5K pace. It goes by quickly and the more fit you are, the faster one recovers. Run easy for another mile and than bust out another minute at 5K pace. Continue for 60 minutes. THIS IS A BLAST! Let me know if you try this ok!

It’s a fun way to incorporate some speed without feeling like you’re hanging on for dear life. The best way I know how to hang on to my 5K pace, no matter how far, is to tune into the sensations in my body. Focus. Be mindful. I Try not to let my mind wonder…..because if I do, all of a sudden my 5K pace is lost.