23 Strategies for Running Your Best 5K

To run your best 5K, your training strategy should combine running with strength and power training. Recreational runners can learn a lot from the way that professional track runners train—with common-sense adjustments, of course. Many of the best elite track runners spend more time strength training, performing plyometric and form drills, and attempting to stave off injury with massage, foam rolling, therapy and icing than they do actually running.

Of course, being an athlete isn't your full-time job, but a scaled-down version of this training philosophy is doable for most recreational runners. In addition to your run program, commit to strength training twice a week, perform drills once a week, and complete the injury prevention tasks outlined in this gallery as often as you can. If you invest your time wisely in these things, you'll soon run your best 5K.

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