5k or 10k - WWYD?

[mrs.jacinthe]

I'm looking at a race in about 4 weeks.  It's a 5k/10k - not too hilly, not at a ridiculous elevation.  It's an out and back for both courses with the 10k going farther than the 5k before turning around.  I'm trying to decide between the 5k and 10k.  

Background information: I'm not the fastest runner in the world and this run has a 13 min/mile minimum for the 10k due to lane closures on public roads.  My last 5k was at approximately 10:30 pace, including actually stopping at one water station (I suck at drinking while moving and was actually wanting to DRINK the water instead of wearing it), starting too far back in the pack and having to go around a LOT of walkers, etc.  However, I'm not 100% confident that I can maintain that pace for twice the distance.  They've stated that they'll cut people off who are 10k runners if they hit the 5k turnaround slower than 18 minutes.  I know, for sure, that I can do that, but there's 3/4 more of the race after the 5k turnaround.  This would be my first 10k and I'm nervous about making the whole distance at the appropriate speed.  I've got another month to train, though.

My long term goal is to complete an Oly tri at around 6500ft elevation, so I'm presuming I should complete a 10k at this elevation, then one at THAT elevation prior to the tri - for my own mental reassurance.  I've got 5 months total to train for the Oly.  I'm not worried about the swim at all, just the bike and run - specifically, the run.

Should I do the 5k and go for a PR?  Do the 10k (which would obviously also be a PR) and risk being last or worse, pulled for being too slow?  WWYD?

[CallingAllAngels]

I think you could do the 10K. I ran a 5K in mid-November at an 11:00mm pace. My first (and only) 10K was Dec 1, and I ran a 11:11 pace. I think if you can run a 5K at 10:30 pace, you should be able to do a 13:00 pace in a 10K with no problem.

[Susie]

10k. You've done some long distance events before, albeit swimming, so you have sufficient endurance. It's just a matter of training yourself to use that endurance for running. You still have another month to do that, and I really don't think you'll go 2.5 mins/mile slower than your 5k pace anyway.

It will be worth a lot for your confidence in the Oly to have done this beforehand.

[gt7301b]

I would do the 5k because I like wining age group awards and they are easier to win in the 5k when both our offered and i am a medal whore. That being said, I think you should do the 10k.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Mar 18, 2013 15:32:10 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

I would do the 5k because I like wining age group awards and they are easier to win in the 5k when both our offered and i am a medal whore. That being said, I think you should do the 10k.

LOL.  This is sometimes my criteria for picking a distance in a swim race (which one am I more likely to place AG in?)  ... but I'm too slow a runner to win an age group award, unless it's the smallest race EVAH.

I'm leaning towards the 10k but R is encouraging me to do the 5k for a PR - and look for a 10k in May or June.  Dude.  It's HOT here in May.

[Deleted]

I say 10k. You should be well within the time limits!

[coconutbug]

10K! It'll be good training for the Oly tri and instant PRs are always fun too.

[gt7301b]

Mar 18, 2013 16:02:59 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Mar 18, 2013 15:32:10 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

I would do the 5k because I like wining age group awards and they are easier to win in the 5k when both our offered and i am a medal whore. That being said, I think you should do the 10k.

LOL.  This is sometimes my criteria for picking a distance in a swim race (which one am I more likely to place AG in?)  ... but I'm too slow a runner to win an age group award, unless it's the smallest race EVAH.

I'm leaning towards the 10k but R is encouraging me to do the 5k for a PR - and look for a 10k in May or June.  Dude.  It's HOT here in May.

You never know. Crazy stuff can happen in 5k/10ks. The first medal I won was a third place overall award at a 5k/10k. I think I ran 27:??.