What strategy do you use when running these two races. I've never ran before so I don't know if there is a normal or optimal strategy when racing. I know depending on your endurance blah blah, but I've been a swimmer most of my life and for certain events you follow a strategy. Just like to know if it's the same when running a 5k or 10k. I did a 10k last October and it took me 50min to finish but my fastest mile was 5 min 45 sec. during a time trial and I was dead afterwards, the 10k race I did I averaged 8 min per mile, big difference, no plan, just ran. I ask because I have a 5k race in 2 weeks...

Well I have my 5k race this coming Sunday (4/3), my strategy is going to be just like my 10k which is "just run", when I get tired, I'm just going to keep going- Mind over matter, if you don't mind- it doesn't matter. Goal is to average just over 7 min miles, sub 22 min time.

Equal splits or negative splits offer the best chance at a personal best, and also offer the most enjoyable experience. Road races are fun when you are feeling good, and passing people in the final mile, as oppose to going out too fast the first mile or so and barely hanging on while being passed by pregnant women or speed walkers. It will be a much more enjoyable experience if you can run around 7:15-20 for the first mile, 7:10 for mile two, and hopefully finish up near 7 flat, ibgenaro.