5k strategy? I know how to run a half marathon. I know how to run a marathon, heck I even know how to run a 50k. But how do you run a 5k?

Have you guessed my finish time? I’m sending the winner a small gift, don’t forget to predict my time here.

I registered for my first ever 5k and it’s happening in 3 days. I wanted to celebrate the end of Runner’s World #RWRunStreak (38 consecutive days) in style and thought what better way then to run a race. The problem is, I don’t know how to approach this distance. Do I sprint the entire time? Pace myself? Run slow and admire the atmosphere?

Here are some options I’ve considered:

  • Run a bunch before — I typically get comfortable about 3 miles into a race. Sadly, by the time I get comfortable, the race will be over.
  • Run a little before —  I always see runners before a race doing some warm up laps. Never crossed my mind to do this. Should I? If so, how long?
  • Don’t do anything before and simply admire my beautiful shoes.
  • Take photos at the start, post to Instagram then get bumped by a runner behind me and break my phone. Wait, let’s not do that one.

As you can see, I have no idea how to approach this race, so I turn to you. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

How do I run a 5k?