Breaking 25 minutes in the 5K isn’t about toughness—it’s about fixing how you train when no one’s watching.

If you’ve been hovering around that 25-minute 5K mark and can’t figure out why you’re stuck, this episode breaks down what’s really holding you back. I dig into the training habits that feel productive but quietly stall your progress, and why pushing harder isn’t always the answer. You’ll learn how structure, pacing, and recovery shape your performance more than grit alone, plus how small shifts in your weekly setup can unlock real speed. It’s about training with intention, protecting your energy, and finally giving your body the right signals to improve—without burning yourself out in the process.

1. Most runners get stuck because their "easy" runs are actually moderate efforts that prevent full recovery, so you must slow down to a conversational pace to build the aerobic engine needed for speed.
2. Your hard workout days need to be genuinely challenging but repeatable, focusing on finishing every rep at goal pace while feeling like you could have done one or two more.
3. Swapping a random mix of runs for a balanced four-day schedule with dedicated rest, strength training, and a proper taper will keep you fresh and ready to race your best time.

• [00:32] What You’ll Learn
• [01:16] The Actual Problem
• [02:49] The Test To Run Easy
• [04:19] Use This To Run A Fast 5K
• [04:55] The Training Split That Works
• [08:11] Vo2 Max Speed Work For Sub-25
• [12:04] Mistakes To Avoid

• 📈 Stop getting injured and start running faster https://dlakecreates.com/groupcoachinjury
• 📈 Get Your Free Run Fast 5K Training Plan https://dlakecreates.com/sub255kfree
• 🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here https://dlakecreates.com/sub255k
• Is Zone 3 (Grey Zone) Running A Waste Of Time or Genius? https://dlakecreates.com/grayzone
• This Free Tool Will Change How You Train VO2 Max Forever https://dlakecreates.com/vdot
• Why Most Runners Get VO₂ Max Wrong https://dlakecreates.com/notvo2max
• The ONLY 5 Strength Moves Runners Actually Need https://dlakecreates.com/10w2s-5
• Why Most Runners Lift Wrong (And How to Fix It) https://dlakecreates.com/strength
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

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Long runs aren’t always the thing that makes you faster. Sometimes they’re the very thing holding you back.

If you’ve been stuck in that frustrating cycle of pushing harder, running longer, and still feeling slower or constantly beat up, this episode will shift how you think about training. I break down why stepping back from traditional long runs—especially in the off-season—can actually unlock better speed, stronger aerobic fitness, and more consistent progress. You’ll learn how smarter volume, intentional recovery, and strategic cross-training work together to keep you healthy while still building race-ready endurance. More importantly, I walk you through how to apply these changes in a practical way so you can train hard without burning out or breaking down.

1. Capping long runs during certain phases reduces injury risk while still maintaining endurance. The goal is to stay consistent enough to actually improve, not just survive training.
2. Instead of aggressive jumps, focus on gradual 3–5% progressions that keep the body fresh for quality workouts. Recovery is the secret weapon behind better speed.
3. Adding low-impact aerobic work supports endurance while protecting the legs. It’s a simple way to keep building your engine without digging a deeper fatigue hole.

• [00:15] What You'll Learn
• [01:05] Change 1: I Replaced Long Runs with Smarter Volume
• [03:10] Use This to Run Injury Free
• [03:47] Change 2: The 3-5% Rule Kept Me Fresh
• [04:31] Change 3: Cross-Training Unlocked Base Without the Damage
• [07:39] How to Really Run Long Runs When You're Ready

• 📈 Get Your Free Avoid Injury and Run Faster Training Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here: https://dlakecreates.com/nolongrun
• What Runners Get Wrong About Long Runs: https://dlakecreates.com/how-to-do-long-run/
• I Ranked Every Cross-Training Workout for Runners: https://dlakecreates.com/run-specific-cross-training-guide/
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

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What if the flashy carbon-plated shoe you just bought is actually slowing you down on your daily runs?

Most runners think getting faster starts with buying better shoes, but the real shift happens when you understand which shoes to buy, when to buy them, and how each one fits into your training. In this episode, I break down a simple three-tier system that helps you run stronger, lower injury risk, and stop wasting money on hype pairs that don’t match your current fitness. You’ll walk away knowing how to structure your shoe rotation, when to upgrade, and how to use each pair with intention so every run feels smoother and more purposeful.

1. Most runners buy shoes in the wrong order and end up wasting money on pairs they rarely use. Starting with the right everyday shoe builds comfort, durability, and consistency first.
2. Rotating different types of shoes helps reduce injury risk because each pair stresses the body in a slightly different way. It’s not about one perfect shoe, it’s about having the right mix.
3. Speed and race shoes should only come after you’ve built mileage and consistency. Saving them for key workouts and race day keeps them effective and extends their lifespan.

• [00:26] What You'll Learn
• [01:16] The Mistake
• [01:59] The Science
• [02:32] The 3 Running Shoes You Need
• [04:15] Know What Shoe to Use on Each Run
• [05:12] Second Shoe You Add: The Fun One
• [06:32] Third and Last Shoe You Buy: The Weapon
• [08:11] The Brand Examples
• [09:03] Use This to Pick the Right Shoes for Your Next Training Block

• 📈 Get Your Free 3-Shoe Rotation Guide & Training Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/shoerotationfree
• 🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here https://dlakecreates.com/3shoes
• All Brands Shoe Rotation - https://www.instagram.com/p/DLl2IzwMEMh/?hl=en
• The Super Shoe Trap (With Science Fix): https://dlakecreates.com/max-cushion-running-shoes/
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.