Runners - from 5k to 10k

SteveTries

Hi,

I got up off the couch in January and huffed, puffed and staggered my way through 3.8kms in a dismal 27 and a half minutes. Over the past couple of months I've got that down to 5kms in just under 26 mins, with 25 mins being my goal, so almost there.

Whilst I like the 5km distance in terms of being quick to complete and readily fitting into my schedule, as a personal challenge I'd like to be able to complete a 10km distance.

I am looking for recommendations for a training plan from people who have undertaken this step already.

Many thanks for reading and any help you can give.

thepetiterunner

You may want to check out www.Runnersworld.com There is a wealth of information to be had.

Congrats on picking up running! And stop beating yourself up about your time. Who are you trying to impress anyway? Running is about YOU and you alone. I encourage you to not measure your success as a runner by the time you cross the finish line and focus on the other aspects of it: the accomplishment of simply getting up, putting your running shoes on and getting out there!

MichelleSawatzky

Yes, i agree with thepetiterunner - check out Runnersworld. I have a subscribtion and I love it!
I'm in the middle of training for a 10K also. I have ran a few 5Ks and love them, but I would like to challenge myself to do a couple of 10Ks thisyear. My advise would be not to do what I have done...they say you should only increase your distance each week by 10%, well I didn't. I started training back in January and started out slow and easy with 1-2 mile runs. Everything was going well and I felt great so I upped it to 3-4 miles in one week...that is when my left foot started to hurt. I think I pushed it too fast too soon. I ended having to take a couple 2 full weeks off (and gained 5 pounds).
I am back training and found a 8 week training schedule for a 10K which is working (I googled it). I'm up to 3 miles now and feeling good. I only run the distance that the training schedule says even if I'm feeling like I could go further.
By the way - doing a 5K under 26 minutes is amazing!! Good for you!! Keep it up!!

SteveTries

Runnersworld it is then. Many thanks I will check that out.

The 10% each week sounds sensible. I had thought about adding in an extra 1km once my avg pace hits 5mins a km then keep doing that until I'm up to 10kms - but thought I should look for a little more science before I do something that might be the wrong way to go.