31 to 25 minutes 5k progress?

Question

31 then, 25 minutes now per 5k progress?
I started running just this January.
I was able to finish my first 5K at 31 minutes.
And just today, I got a new PR at 25 minutes flat.
I loved it! since now i can start breaking sub25 5k like ive always wanted!

but now im wondering, was my progress was too slow?
Or was it just right?

Id like to know if im not intensifying my training enough.
(Can only afford 30 minutes of running, 3 times a week, due to a hectic schedule)

Male
5'9"
22 yrs old
145lb

Answer 1

Just keep on running. It takes time to get better and you will adapt off of the same schedule. Four months in running life is nothing. So far I have been running for 8.5 years and I keep on improving. Professional runners have been training for 12 years on average and the average collegiate runner has 6-8 years under their belt. It is not about "intensity" at all. That is a lie. It is about how long you have been running. Over time your body will make adaptations including increases of flexibility, increased blood adaptations, muscle adaptations. They take several months at least. Most people don't reach their potential because they quite within a few months and take off several months, then they go back to square one. You just keep it in your schedule. If people only can improve after a few months of training then why am I getting better after 8.5 years, with many others doing the same? The secret.....I train year round doing about the same much every week ( I take a day off when it is hectic but you go right back on the schedule) and take a month total off every year. Meaning that you should train 10-11 months a year off. Take a few days off every week and a few solid weeks off every month and you will improve and get stronger and healthier. That is not something you see on t.v. When I started 8 years ago I ran a 8:00 mile, not I run right under 4:10. You gotta balance the sport with life and make it part of the schedule, don't get obsessive with training ( make the family happy), but train as much as you can when you can and not get injured. It takes a while to learn with everybody but you gotta love it and keep at it. Your improvement shows you have a work ethic and by the way, congradulations on the p.r buddy!

Answer 2

That's awesome progress! You should be proud. I'd bump up the mileage a bit (try for 5 times a week) and you'd probably be able to hit in the 22's or 23's, then :D

Answer 3

That's amazing progress!!! Keep it up and I'm sure you will shave more off that time! :)