5K Record Breaker Lite

Plan overview

Weeks: 6

Distance: 25.4 km/week

Workouts: 23

Total distance: 152.6 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 2.1 km

Z2: 47.1 km

Z3: 88.3 km

Z4: 7.2 km

Z5: 7.9 km

Z6: 0 km

1%
31%
58%
5%
5%
0%


Select a week or scroll down to view all workouts.

Week 1

Workouts: 4

Total distance: 19.4 km

Average workout:

Distance 4.9 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 5m

Z2: 1h 58m

Z3: 3h 21m

Z4: -

Z5: -

Z6: -

2%
36%
62%
0%
0%
0%

6min 40sec @ 66% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 68% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 72% of 5k pace20min @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 68 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 3.2 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 79 m

Z2: 3121 m

Z3: 0 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
98%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Really easy runs are important for keeping your frequency up and the body's rhythm flowing. Do not push the pace here. Just relax and keep the legs turning over. These sorts of runs are great to do on a treadmill because it will force you to hold an easy pace and also it reduces the pounding as opposed to concrete/asphalt.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

13min 20sec from 65 to 70% of 5k pace46min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace13min 20sec free run6min 40sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 4.8 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 68 m

Z2: 1132 m

Z3: 3600 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
24%
75%
0%
0%
0%

"Fartlek" - Swedish for speed-play - runs are designed to inject additional stimulus into what is otherwise a base or endurance run. These short bursts of speed help teach your body to recover while still maintaining a strong pace. The key with a fartlek run is that you surge from a solid endurance pace and then return right back to that pace. You should not need to slow down below your base pace to recover. Consistent fast running is a key part of building the sort of anaerobic capacity and power you will need to smash your 5K PR.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace3x 6min 40sec @ 85% of 5k pace,
6min 40sec @ 73% of 5k pace
10min from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 4.6 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 103 m

Z2: 2097 m

Z3: 2400 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
46%
52%
0%
0%
0%

Hill repeats are really speed work in disguise. Hills are a great way to build speed and power on tired legs. The power required to run up a hill is the same as to run fast, but the leg speed can be lower. A grade of about 6-8% is ideal, but you can play with speed and gradient to keep the workout interesting.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 71% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 74% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 77% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace1hr 20min @ 82% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 75 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 6.8 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 51 m

Z2: 707 m

Z3: 6042 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
10%
89%
0%
0%
0%

Long steady blocks at the top of Zone 2 help develop the endurance that you will need through the middle of a 5k. After a fast open, you will need to run strong through the middle in order to kick hard at the end.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

Week 2

Workouts: 4

Total distance: 27 km

Average workout:

Distance 6.8 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 5m

Z2: 2h 24m

Z3: 5h 1m

Z4: -

Z5: -

Z6: -

1%
32%
67%
0%
0%
0%

6min 40sec @ 66% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 68% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 72% of 5k pace33min 32sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 68 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 4.012 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 79 m

Z2: 3933 m

Z3: 0 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
98%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Really easy runs are important for keeping your frequency up and the body's rhythm flowing. Do not push the pace here. Just relax and keep the legs turning over. These sorts of runs are great to do on a treadmill because it will force you to hold an easy pace and also it reduces the pounding as opposed to concrete/asphalt.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

13min 20sec from 65 to 70% of 5k pace46min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace13min 20sec free run46min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace13min 20sec free run6min 40sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 8.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 68 m

Z2: 1132 m

Z3: 7200 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
13%
86%
0%
0%
0%

"Fartlek" - Swedish for speed-play - runs are designed to inject additional stimulus into what is otherwise a base or endurance run. These short bursts of speed help teach your body to recover while still maintaining a strong pace. The key with a fartlek run is that you surge from a solid endurance pace and then return right back to that pace. You should not need to slow down below your base pace to recover. Consistent fast running is a key part of building the sort of anaerobic capacity and power you will need to smash your 5K PR.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace5x 6min 40sec @ 85% of 5k pace,
6min 40sec @ 73% of 5k pace
10min from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 6.2 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 103 m

Z2: 2897 m

Z3: 3200 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
47%
52%
0%
0%
0%

Hill repeats are really speed work in disguise. Hills are a great way to build speed and power on tired legs. The power required to run up a hill is the same as to run fast, but the leg speed can be lower. A grade of about 6-8% is ideal, but you can play with speed and gradient to keep the workout interesting.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 71% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 74% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 77% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace1hr 46min 40sec @ 82% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 75 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 8.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 51 m

Z2: 707 m

Z3: 7642 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
8%
91%
0%
0%
0%

Long steady blocks at the top of Zone 2 help develop the endurance that you will need through the middle of a 5k. After a fast open, you will need to run strong through the middle in order to kick hard at the end.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

Week 3

Workouts: 4

Total distance: 33.4 km

Average workout:

Distance 8.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 9m

Z2: 2h 35m

Z3: 3h 33m

Z4: 2h

Z5: 1h

Z6: -

2%
28%
38%
22%
11%
0%

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 72% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 74% of 5k pace3min 20sec @ 76% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 78% of 5k pace2hr 40min @ 82% of 5k pace13min 20sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 12.2 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 137 m

Z2: 1463 m

Z3: 10600 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
12%
87%
0%
0%
0%

Having a big base is essential for being able to handle the fast start, surges with terrain and competition, and fast finish of a 5K. Being able to run a long way without tiring is a critical part of being able to run much shorter distance at a sustained fast pace.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

26min 40sec from 65 to 75% of 5k pace33min 20sec @ 90% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 102% of 5k pace33min 20sec @ 93% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 102% of 5k pace33min 20sec @ 96% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 102% of 5k pace13min 20sec from 75 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 9.6 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 103 m

Z2: 1877 m

Z3: 420 m

Z4: 6000 m

Z5: 1200 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
20%
4%
63%
13%
0%

Being able to push for sustained periods over threshold and then to recover while still running fast is an essential physiological skill for the 5K racer.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 42sec @ 66% of 5k pace6min 42sec @ 68% of 5k pace6min 42sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 42sec @ 72% of 5k pace33min 32sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 42sec from 68 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 4.022 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 79 m

Z2: 3943 m

Z3: 0 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
98%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Really easy runs are important for keeping your frequency up and the body's rhythm flowing. Do not push the pace here. Just relax and keep the legs turning over. These sorts of runs are great to do on a treadmill because it will force you to hold an easy pace and also it reduces the pounding as opposed to concrete/asphalt.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

13min 20sec @ 70% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 74% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 78% of 5k pace3x 13min 20sec @ 102% of 5k pace,
6min 40sec @ 92% of 5k pace
26min 40sec from 75 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 7.6 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 205 m

Z2: 2027 m

Z3: 1768 m

Z4: 1200 m

Z5: 2400 m

Z6: 0 m

3%
27%
23%
16%
32%
0%

Over-unders help develop your ability to surge and recover - repeatedly. This helps to improve economy and makes the sustained high effort - just a notch below the surge pace - feel much easier.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

Week 4

Workouts: 4

Total distance: 31 km

Average workout:

Distance 7.8 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 7m

Z2: 2h 46m

Z3: 5h 43m

Z4: -

Z5: -

Z6: -

1%
32%
66%
0%
0%
0%

13min 20sec @ 70% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace26min 40sec free run13min 20sec @ 65% of 5k pace26min 40sec free run13min 20sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 6.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 137 m

Z2: 2263 m

Z3: 4000 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
35%
63%
0%
0%
0%

Our first test comes in the form of a broken 2/3 distance test - 2x1mi (1600m) with moderate rest at close to target pace.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 66% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 68% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 72% of 5k pace20min @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 68 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 3.2 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 79 m

Z2: 3121 m

Z3: 0 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
98%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Really easy runs are important for keeping your frequency up and the body's rhythm flowing. Do not push the pace here. Just relax and keep the legs turning over. These sorts of runs are great to do on a treadmill because it will force you to hold an easy pace and also it reduces the pounding as opposed to concrete/asphalt.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 72% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 74% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 76% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 78% of 5k pace3hr 16min 40sec @ 82% of 5k pace13min 20sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 14.6 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 137 m

Z2: 1463 m

Z3: 13000 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
10%
89%
0%
0%
0%

Having a big base is essential for being able to handle the fast start, surges with terrain and competition, and fast finish of a 5K. Being able to run a long way without tiring is a critical part of being able to run much shorter distance at a sustained fast pace.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace3x 13min 20sec @ 85% of 5k pace,
13min 20sec @ 73% of 5k pace
6min 40sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 6.8 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 68 m

Z2: 3132 m

Z3: 3600 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
46%
53%
0%
0%
0%

Hill repeats are really speed work in disguise. Hills are a great way to build speed and power on tired legs. The power required to run up a hill is the same as to run fast, but the leg speed can be lower. A grade of about 3-5% is ideal, but you can play with speed and gradient to keep the workout interesting. Longer hills like this challenge your ability to maintain power and - especially form - as you get tired. In the second half of each climb, make sure you keep your shoulders back and your chin up.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

Week 5

Workouts: 4

Total distance: 25.6 km

Average workout:

Distance 6.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 6m

Z2: 2h 45m

Z3: 3h 48m

Z4: -

Z5: 27m

Z6: -

2%
39%
53%
0%
6%
0%

13min 20sec @ 70% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace53min 20sec free run13min 20sec from 75 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 5.6 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 103 m

Z2: 1413 m

Z3: 4084 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
25%
73%
0%
0%
0%

With a bunch of hard, sustained efforts in your legs, you should have a better idea how to pace these high intensity sustained efforts. This time, it is a straight two-mile test at close to your goal pace for 5k will help dial in that pacing.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 68% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 72% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace53min 20sec @ 74% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 68 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 5.2 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 79 m

Z2: 1921 m

Z3: 3200 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
37%
62%
0%
0%
0%

A nice easy run to help keep your rhythm. Make sure you head outside for some of these runs as well. The treadmill is a great training tool, but it is important to get used to pacing on the road as well.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 85% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace4x 6min 40sec @ 105% of 5k pace,
6min 40sec @ 63% of 5k pace
13min 20sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 6.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 137 m

Z2: 2663 m

Z3: 2000 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 1600 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
42%
31%
0%
25%
0%

A classic track session comes indoors - quarter-mile/400m repeats. Well above race pace for these with a super easy recovery.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

6min 40sec @ 70% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace4x 13min 20sec @ 85% of 5k pace,
13min 20sec @ 73% of 5k pace
6min 40sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 8.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 68 m

Z2: 3932 m

Z3: 4400 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 0 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
47%
52%
0%
0%
0%

Hill repeats are really speed work in disguise. Hills are a great way to build speed and power on tired legs. The power required to run up a hill is the same as to run fast, but the leg speed can be lower. A grade of about 6-8% is ideal, but you can play with speed and gradient to keep the workout interesting. Longer hills like this challenge your ability to maintain power and - especially form - as you get tired. In the second half of each climb, make sure you keep your shoulders back and your chin up.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

Week 6

Workouts: 3

Total distance: 16.2 km

Average workout:

Distance 5.4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 3m

Z2: 36m

Z3: 3h 5m

Z4: -

Z5: 45m

Z6: -

1%
13%
69%
0%
17%
0%

6min 40sec from 65 to 70% of 5k pace26min 40sec @ 78% of 5k pace5min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace1min 20sec @ 110% of 5k pace5min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace1min 20sec @ 110% of 5k pace5min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace1min 20sec @ 110% of 5k pace5min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace1min 20sec @ 110% of 5k pace6min 40sec from 75 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 4 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 51 m

Z2: 707 m

Z3: 2922 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 320 m

Z6: 0 m

1%
18%
73%
0%
8%
0%

Some final miles with a bit of up-tempo speedwork just to keep you where you need to be.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this

13min 20sec @ 70% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace13min 20sec @ 75% of 5k pace2x 20min @ 102% of 5k pace,
6min 40sec @ 75% of 5k pace
13min 20sec from 70 to 55% of 5k pace
Workout overview

Distance: 7.2 km

Zone distribution

Z1: 137 m

Z2: 1463 m

Z3: 3200 m

Z4: 0 m

Z5: 2400 m

Z6: 0 m

2%
20%
44%
0%
33%
0%

It is time to rest up and sharpen up. Some short speed intervals to get your legs primed for the weekend.

✓ Available in Zwift View workout More workouts like this