There is something really special about the 10k race distance. 6.2 miles seems to be the perfect distance to really push yourself without causing injury, burnout or requiring year-round training.
Today, David Dack from Runner’s Blueprint is sharing a 10k training program that takes you from walking to running 6.2 miles in just 13 weeks. He shares some running tips to conquer the distance, stay healthy along the way and enjoy the experience.
Check out his couch to 10k training schedule!
Looking to run your first 10K but have no idea what to do or how to get started?
Then you’re in the right place.
In today’s article, I’m sharing with the practical training guidelines you need to get started as well as a detailed three months training plan to ensure 10K running success.
Sounds great?
Let’s get started.
What’s the 10K?
The 10K, or 6.2 miles, distance is a very popular race event with beginner runners. It’s a fantastic challenge for runners of all abilities, especially beginners looking to participate in their first event.
The 10K is achievable for most beginners, even those with zero running experience—provided that they have a good plan and are willing to follow it to the end.
The race distances strike the sweet spot being a challenge without needing endless months of hard training; such as is required for longer distances such as a marathon.
Don’t Do Too Much Too Soon
The worst thing you can do—other than remaining a couch potato—is running too much, too fast, at too quick of a pace, when you’re starting this program or any exercise schedule.
That’s the classic beginner mistake and can kill your 10K ambitions like nothing else. Rushing into training could result in injury or burnouts. Instead, allow for the training to progress gradually at a sensible and realistic pace.
I’d recommend that you work your way up to walking comfortably for over 60 minutes before you embark on the 13-week schedule below. The way you go about it is by walking three to four times per week, slowly building your session to 60 to 90 minutes each.
Once you can walk for that long without much trouble, you’re ready to take on the 10K schedule shared below.
The Walk Run
During the early first weeks, your first few sessions should a mix of jogging and walking, and then as you build more endurance, spend more time running to keep injury risk low.
By alternating running and walking segments from the start, you’ll be able to speed up your endurance gains without putting your body at risk of injury or burnout.
The Pace & Speed
Do the running intervals slow enough at the start of every workout that you’ll feel tired but not completely beat at the end.
The best thing you can do to stay injury-free is to stick to a conversational pace. This means being to speak in complete sentences while training without much huffing and puffing. If not, then you’re pushing it too much and might need to take a break and slow down.
As a rule, training within 70 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate—that’s roughly 7 to 8 on a perceived exertion scale of 1 to 10.
Add Recovery
Running is a high impact sport, so even with perfect form and $160 shoes, pounding the pavement will still take a toll on your body and mind.
That’s why your body will need time toadapt to the high impact nature of the sport. If not, you’re asking for trouble—and you don’t want that.
Remember to plan in recovery days reach week and prioritize downtime as much as you prioritize exercise. Do the following to improve your recovery:
- Aim to sleep seven to nine hours per night
- Follow a nutritious diet, especially following hard workouts
- Stretch your running muscles regularly (but not before a session)
The 10k Training Plan
To make it to the finish line, follow this 10K schedule for beginners.
This 12-week schedule strikes the perfect balance between building endurance and prioritizing injury prevention by mixing the segment of running with walking.
The first step is always the hardest, so make sure to get out the door and train. And remember to stay within your fitness level.
Just keep in mind that it assumes that you can already brisk walk for more than 60 minutes without much trouble. If not so, work up your walking first.
Week 1
Day 1—Run 1 minute. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 8 times.
Day 2—Run 1 minute. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 6 times.
Day 3— Run 1 minute. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 8 times.
Week 2
Day 1—Run 2 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 5 times.
Day 2—Run 2 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 7 times.
Day 3—Run 2 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 8 times.
Week 3
Day 1—Run 3 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 5 times.
Day 2—Run 3 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 7 times.
Day 3—Run 3 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 6 times.
Week 4
Day 1—Run 5 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
Day 2—Run 5 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
Day 3—Run 5 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 4 times.
Week 5
Day 1— Run 5 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 4 times.
Day 2—Run 7 minutes. Rest 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 3— Run 7 minutes. Rest 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Week 6
Day 1— Run 7 minutes. Rest 3 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
Day 2—Run 5 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 4 times.
Day 3— Run 5 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 5 times.
Week 7
Day 1—Run 10 minutes. Rest 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2— Run 10 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 3— Run 10 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 2 times.
Week 8
Day 1— Run 10 minutes. Rest 1 minute. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2— Run 12 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 3— Run 12 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Week 9
Day 1— Run 15 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2— Run 15 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 3— Run 12 minutes. Rest 2 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Week 10
Day 1— Run 15 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2— Run 15 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 3—Run 20 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Run 10 minutes.
Week 11
Day 1— Run 20 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Run 15 minutes.
Day 2— Run 20 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Run 15 minutes.
Day 3— Run 20 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Week 12
Day 1— Run 25 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2— Run 30 minutes. Rest 5 minute. Run 10 minutes.
Day 3—Run 40 minutes.
Week 13
Day 1— Run 30 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Run 20 minutes.
Day 2— Run 25 minutes. Rest 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 3—Run 6.2 miles at a slow and steady pace.
There you have it. By simply following the training progression laid out in the above plan, you should be able to build enough cardio and stamina to be able to run a 10k without risking injury or burnout. Just remember to take things slow and stay within your fitness level the entire time. The rest is just details.
Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.
Thank you for dropping by.
Keep running strong.
David D.
About the author:
David Dack is an established fitness blogger and running expert. When he’s not training for his next marathon, he’s doing research and trying to help as many people as possible to share his fitness philosophy. Check his blog Runners Blueprint for more info.
