So a friend of mine has convinced me to participate in a 5k run in about 2 weeks. In thinking about it I think I might actually have a chance to be competitive if not win. My current times place me in the historical top 10, about 1:45 off the winning pace. I usually run 4-5 miles at a 6:50 pace 4 days a week. I am wondering if it is possible to drop down to a 5 min mile for the 5k (3.2m) distance in two weeks, or if I am just going to injur myself attempting that. Any thoughts? Ideas? What would be the best way to go about this?

If you are really interesting in "Peaking" at this event in two weeks try the following:
Week One
1)Run faster, shorter intervals-say 2X200, 1X400, 1x600, 1X400 and 2X200. Run them pretty fast with long rests in between (jog twice the distance or rest for three-four times the time it takes you to run them)
2) Lower your milage on easy days by 25-33% and run nice and easy
3)Run a fartlek but keep sprints between 50 and 400 meters, concentrating around 100-200 meters
Week Two
1) Run a quick 4X400 meter work out with lots of rest between (see above)
2) Run easy for 50-70% of your usual easy distance
3) Do not run or do other PT 3 days prior to the race.

NOTE: If you are not running speed work like intervals, just reduce the distance of your fast runs by 30% but pick up the pace. Still reduce your easy days by 30% in the first week and 50% in the second. Still take three days off prior to race day.
Let me know how it works out for you.

I'd be very interested to hear how you make out in this endeavor. I used to run 15+ min 5Ks in high school XC, but that was 15 years ago. Over the last 6-8 mos or so I've whittled about 1 min/mi off my times for 4-mile runs (from 7:30/mi to 6:30), but that's been through the help of a varied workout (LSD, near race-pace, speed work, etc) and a fairly careful diet. I'd like to get lower times--and it helps to know that there was a time in my life when I could put some decent times together--but it's proving to be a tough nut to crack. Keep us posted!

Well no one has come out and said that I am destined for injury, so I will re-focus my Workouts a bit starting tonight and go for it. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the advice Guard MC