Many runners sign up for a Turkey Trot 5K with no goal other than to enjoy the day and the company of their fellow trotters. Other runners take this annual race more seriously. Very seriously.

Either way, full support! But we have exactly what you need to rip a blazing-fast time this season, thanks to Jeff Gaudette , founder and head coach of RunnersConnect.

The key to running your fastest 5K ? Structure the right workouts ahead of race day that will help you build and sharpen your speed . Gaudette shares the tune-up workouts that check both these boxes, plus he shares tips for racing your best Turkey Trot to date.

First, you’ll want to include a session that prepares you for what your goal 5K pace will feel like so you can maintain it through the finish. Next, as you get closer to race morning, you’ll benefit from some faster intervals that help sharpen the speed you’ll need to reel in competitors over the final stretch.

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