5 workouts to help you run a faster 5K

Spring represents hope for triathletes. The long Canadian winter is over, and summer is on its way. Shorter road races such as a 5K are perfect events to test your fitness and get you in the racing mindset.

Related: Break out of winter with a 5K road race
Training for a short road race takes less time than a half-marathon, and it means faster workouts that develop speed and strength. Also, having a race to train for before the triathlon season gives your training focus.

The following are five workouts that will set yourself up for a fast 5K.
Workout 1
- 5 x 1,000m at goal race pace with 400m slow jog recovery
Workout 2
- 10 x 400m at 10 seconds/K faster than race pace with 200m slow jog recovery
Workout 3
- 4 x 1,200m at 5-8 seconds/K faster than race pace with equal recovery passive rest
Workout 4
- 3 x 1,600m at race pace with 90 seconds rest + 1K at race pace
Workout 5 (pre-race: a week out)
- 2 x 2K at 5K pace + 5 seconds/K with 400m jog recovery
- 3 x 800m at 5 seconds/K faster than race pace with 90 seconds rest
- 4x 400m at 10 seconds/K faster than race pace with 200m jog recovery
Related: Activation drills for triathletes
Remember to begin each workout with a warm-up consisting of 10-15 minutes of very easy running. Include a few minutes for dynamic drills, stretches, activation and strides. Following the workout, cool down with 5-15 minutes of easy running.