When to "wind it up" in a track 5k

Sounds like you could try it Stember style, where you push like a maniac from 600 out

Instead of trying to “pick it up”, run at 5:00 pace as long as you can.

I tend to slow down a tiny bit though, sort of like an inverted U. If I come through 3200 in 9:40 I'm pretty confident that I'd be able to run a sub 5:20 last 1800.

Run as fast as you can for 12 laps, then sprint the last 200.

My best indoor 5k was "chill" the first mile, focusing on running as easily as possible in the pack. Second mile turn off the brakes, and start pushing hard (red-lining) the last mile. Hammer 400 out.

I think mentally you get to 3k or 3200 & you make an effort to push a little harder from there to the finish. If you're running well, increased effort might just mean maintaining pace. Do that & try to move again in the last 1k.

How long ago was your last race and how do you know you’re fitter now? You better be a LOT fitter for your plan to work. 10:06 at two miles led to a death march finish and now you plan to go through in 9:40? Run 74s for nine and a half laps then see if you can “wind it up.”

It was over a year ago. I raced (almost) double the distance on a more difficult course and ran within 3 seconds of my pace.

I've also hit a few workouts that indicate I'm close to sub 15 shape: 1800 in 5:24, 2400 in 7:20 (wind), 3000 in 9:00. All of these were off tired legs - I'd run a light tempo in the morning and this in the afternoon.

Run by feel. Let it come to you in races. The optimal time to "wind it up" can vary greatly from race to race. Put time out of your head to the best extent you can, hug that aerobic/anaerobic line inching it faster and faster if you can, and see what & when your body tells you to do enroute.

Your attitude is certainly appropriate. Good luck!

Look, it sounds like you’re making yourself a bit mental about this and I’m not sure what you’re trying to indicate with these workouts. It’s awesome that you can carry 72s through 71/2 laps, but that’s still 5 laps away from your goal. I’m concerned that you’re trying to do/control too much. Are you going to respond to competition or is it going to unsettle you?

I ran my fastest 5k (the aforementioned 15:55) splitting 5:03, 5:03, and then trying to pick it up at around 1400 to go. I didn't know my splits, but I ran over timing mats and saw what they were after I finished. We had a pack that narrowed from 8 or so to 4, and then it strung out over the last mile. I took the lead and tried picking up the pace and holding that until the finish at 1400, but I wasn't able to keep it up for longer than 400m and ran a very painful last 1000. Admittedly, it was slightly uphill (60 feet over the mile), but I still think I should have ran it better.

Overall, I'd say that I'm good with responding to competition. I prefer running my own race / being dragged along until about 30-40% to go, but I'm mostly good with responding to moves in a race.

Your first post sounds like you’re talking about running a 5000m on a track. But you’re comparing your plan to previous road races maybe? Are you preparing for a road race or on the track? You’re a little difficult to follow.