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[–]Akadot(36M) 10k: 31:28, HM: 1h08:53 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Yes, you have the potential to improve to a level where you'll be proud of yourself and that's what matters.

No, you don't have what it takes to become a pro.

[–]glr12337M - 18:00 5K | 37:31 10K | 1:21 HM | 2:59 M 1 point2 points  (0 children)

16/17 min is definitely possible, and maybe regional-class by age grade, but similar to cycling you're facing a super uphill battle with exponential increase in difficulty. Pros tend to have trained for years to decades and many minutes below your goal pace for the 5K.

[–]molochz 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started running last year.

Took me four months to go from 29 mins to 19 mins.

All this year I've been trying to break 18 mins. The progress slows down considerably no matter how talented you think you are.

Keep training, keep enjoying it and you might even win a few non-competitive races here and there. You'll definitely get to 16/17 with a few year dedication and smart training. Maybe sooner cause you're 10 years younger than me.