multiple loops > php help

Hi

I need 3 separate loops on my category pages – one that shows the latest 5 posts from the category, another that shows the 5 before that, and then another that shows the 12 before that. I have 42 categories.

Currently, for each section, I am running through all 42 categories in one huge if statement. That means 3 huge if statements for each category page. I find it hard to believe that I am doing it in the most efficient way! Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Example of the current code:

<?php if (is_category('1')) : ?>

<?php $recent = new WP_Query("cat=1&showposts=12&offset=10"); while($recent->have_posts()) : $recent->the_post(); ?>

"><?php the_title(); ?>
<?php endwhile; ?>

<?php elseif (is_category('2')) : ?>

<?php $recent = new WP_Query("cat=2&showposts=12&offset=10"); while($recent->have_posts()) : $recent->the_post(); ?>

"><?php the_title(); ?>
<?php endwhile; ?>

...

<?php elseif (is_category('42')) : ?>

<?php $recent = new WP_Query("cat=42&showposts=12&offset=10"); while($recent->have_posts()) : $recent->the_post(); ?>

"><?php the_title(); ?>
<?php endwhile; ?>

<?php endif; ?>