In bulletpoints:
- Ran a 5k race on July 4th, targeting 19:30. Ran 19:16 despite 100+ feet of elevation gain (worth about 8 seconds). Wondered if it was short, but was happy for a new PR. (Previous PR: 19:37).
- Started a new 12 week plan (Pfitzinger), basing my training paces on the 19:16 race. Hitting all the workouts and feeling good. Targeting 18:59 on a flat and fast course.
- Curiosity got the best of me, and last week (3 weeks out from the goal race) I emailed the race director who confirmed the course is short. It's about 3.05 miles.
- This equates to about a 19:33-35.
- Question: What should my goal be for my race in just over 2 weeks? Is trying to drop from 19:33-35 (or 19:25-27 on a flat course) down to 18:59 too much?
Further consideration: this morning I ran a 3k time trial (solo) and ran 11:07 (5:58 pace). It did not feel like a race effort. I was targeting 6:01 pace, but felt so darn good I ran a little faster. I ran a 4 mile cool down and felt amazing. If I can run a solo 3k at that pace, what can I run for 5k when I'm tapered?