The Quest for a Faster 5k

So I have been running for years, but I have never broken a 30 minute 5K (well, I ran a 29.59 5K in the middle of a half marathon but I don't think that counts).

So I am on a mission! I want to break my record. My fastest 5K was 2 years ago at the Garmin 5K in Kansas. It was 31.14! It was flat and it was fast! I was actually shocked at my time. Here's a little history as to why I was so shocked.

My first 5K (you can read about that here) was slow- I don't even know the time. I searched for it but it was such a small race I could not find it. I know for a fact it was somewhere between 50-60 minutes. It had to be, only because the next 5K I did was The Cherry Blossom in DC and I remember doing much better and it was 43 minutes.

When I moved to Kansas, I started really running and adding distance (like 5 and 6 miles) and I ran a couple more 5Ks at 43 and 40 minutes. Then, on a whim, I signed up a for a very small race in Lansing, KS called the Steeple Chase and I ran without stopping and my breathing was perfect...I clearly remember rounding the corner and seeing 34 minutes on the clock..what? I sprinted so hard toward the finish line and ended up clocking in at 36 minutes! I was so excited and that is when I realized I could run! Long story short...I ran a few more with times anywhere from 35 to 36.

Then came the Garmin 5K. I remember just running and enjoying it so much and as I got closer the finish I remember hearing the announcer call names and times and I heard 29 minutes...what? So I full out sprinted and clocked in at 31 minutes! Holy cow! I was over the moon! Granted it was flat, but hey! A PR is a PR, baby!

Top Left: Stephanie and me at Garmin 31:14 PR Apr. 2013

Top Middle: Cherry Blossom 43:59 Apr. 2010

Top Right: Mustache Dash 34:54 Oct. 2012

Bottom: Diva Dash: 36:06 Mar. 2013

Since then, I have been consistent and sticking around the 32 to 34 minute finish! Then I realized that training for all these further distances has made me stronger and last fall I ran a 3 miler with my husband that was extremely hilly and clocked in at 32 minutes. So I can do this! I can break it and I am following a plan! I found one online from Hal Higdon.

Super hilly 3 miler with my husband! 

Beer was very much needed after this one! 

So, this May, I am attempting to break my 5K PR! I will give it my all! 

Ready to change the PR status on my wall!

Note: the 10K time 1:29:59 it's the only 10K

I have done and it was when I had just started 

running! I need to change that, too!