I’ve spent the last 6 months or so cruising my short to mid-distance runs in the 9s. I will get close to 8 and then have to back it off. I really want to hit a 25 minute 5K this summer but that means a pace of 8:02 (28:12 is my current PR) so I have decided that I want to work on my speed this summer.
This morning, my first mile was 8:49 (Great!) but then I started burning out and ended up walking a big hill in mile 4 so my average pace was 9:41 (not as great).
They say that in order to run faster, you just have to run faster (helpful!…) but I’m having a hard time coming to terms with being that uncomfortable. So, what to do? Maybe get on a 5K plan (gah), definitely add in more speed work, and see if I can squeeze out two 8 minute miles in a row and then try to snag a third. Supposedly, I did that when I ran a 10K last year (Across the Bay 10K) but I believe their course was short.
Here’s an interesting list of tips on how to run faster. I already know that my core needs work so I’m hitting that hard in my cross training. I’m also trying to focus on “quick feet” moves. I am curious to see how effective they are. Even if they help me get into the high 8s, I’ll be pretty happy.
Here’s to summer goals! What will you be focusing on this summer?
Unexpected Runner 
I doubt I’ll ever be fast… but I like that coffee helps! 🙂
Coffee always helps!
What a timely post! I’ve got a 5k in 2 weeks where I’ll be racing against a friend who I beat by 5 seconds in December, so speed has been on my mind a lot lately. I’ve only gotten into the 25’s once and that was 3 years ago. My December race was only 17 seconds shy of breaking that mark again, so I’m pretty happy with where I’m at, but I’m looking for another win in a couple of weeks for sure!
I also want to start working on speed – I need to get my 5k below 30 minutes and I’d like to get my 10k to 60min. I have access to a group that does track workouts that are all speed based and run by an excellent coach but the workouts always fall on a night when I am not free. SO I’m going to try an incorporate more hill work and more dedicated speed work. But you are right, it is very uncomfortable that I am not motivated to go there, lol!