I'm 27 yo.
I ran about 30-35 mpw for the last 3 years.
However because of some life issues I couldn't run more than 5-10mpw for the last 4 months.
I'm starting to sort the challenges out, and I think I will soon be able to up my milage back to 30-35 mpw.
I want to do a 5k time trial to kinda see where I'm at, but I don't know if would be better to first up my milage for a few weeks, and then do it ?
Yes if you want to build a more more precise training plan.
However if you're not rushing anywhere, it really doesn't matter at this point. You can easily ramp up milage and intensity on feeling.
No get back in training
I do 5K time trials but mainly when I'm in shape, for the workout itself and also to gauge my fitness. I personally don't see the point if you're not in shape.
In my opinion it is always good to get a baseline. I was out of consistent training for the last 2 years due to cancer, other illenss, and some major ops. Started jogging 3 or 4 times a week about 2 months ago. After 4 weeks whne I judged I could run 5k continuously at some form of sustained effort I did a 5k TT. The time sucked, but it is a benchmark. Did 4 more weeks of jogging and did another 5k TT last weekend. I improved my time, but not by as much as I wanted to. It is a great motivator to get life (running and training routine, weight etc.) back under control and I hope to see continuous improvement over time.
5k is short, you'll recover quickly and can then continue your training.
Unless you a have reason to think running an all out 5k will injury you(ie dealings with some overuse injury it), go for it.
Do another in a few weeks again if you want, it’s only a 5k.
There is little to no value in doing a 5k to get a baseline at this point or doing one in a few weeks from a training efficacy stand point, but you are not a pro, so if it will make the comeback more enjoyable, go for it.
ps also building up after a long layoff, and did a 5k very early on. Was 4mins off my pb, so don’t get discouraged.
If you're experienced you dont need to do a time trial, you will know where you are at based on your workouts, easy pace, long run pace, tempo pace etc etc.
Yeah if you generally have a sense of your fitness then maybe it's best not to interrupt training & keep building the mileage. But I don't think there's a wrong answer here. Time trials are fun. You can get a time & it shouldn't take too much out of you.