How To (Not) Prepare for a 10k Run

I signed up for a 10k run.

Struggling with keeping up too many interests, I thought it might be interesting to commit to one with a very specific goal in mind.

I’m very excited about my first official, proper run!

It will be in 23 days. It is not a lot of time for preparation.

But I ran 10k before, so this will be fun. My goal is to run under 50 mins, but < 1h is probably more realistic.

I do mostly weight lifting in the gym with free flow handstand training and occasionally running/cycling/swimming.

So, I’ll adjust my training plan a little bit for the next 3.5 weeks.

A quick reddit search directed me to this training program

I asked ChatGPT to adjust the 8 week program to 23 days, which didn’t really help.
So, I adjusted it myself:

Training Plan

WeekDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7
14.8 km run60 min cross9.7 km runRest5k Race8.9 km run10 x 400m 5k pace
26.4 km runRest60 min cross-training11.3 km run4.8 km run9.7 km run45 min tempo run
36.4km runRest60 min cross-training50 min tempo run4.8 km run4.8 km run5 x 400m at 5K pace
41.6-4.8km runRest10K Race (5:00 min/km)

Run easy-moderate pace (60%-70% of maximum = 7:00-8:00 min/km)
Rest very important, especially before race day
Cross-training: Swimming, cycling, or any other easy form of aerobic training
Tempo run A continuous run with a tempo buildup in the middle close to race pace
Interval training For gaining speed

My Target Pace 5:00 n/km (to complete in 50 minutes)

  • I’ll add here and there some light weight training / functional training
  • I’ll go up with my carb and protein intake, especially after runs
  • In addition to daily magnesium supplement, I’ll add electrolytes
  • I’ll definitely checkout the official route before

I think this will be a fun challenge for me, and I want to keep it light & joyful. Aiming for the 50 mins mark, but not exaggerating it.

I’m looking mostly forward to have a nice daily routine to stick to and a goal to work towards to. I will download the different routes that I will be running beforehand, so when I start and don’t need to think about anything than running.

Wish me luck! :)


edit: This is how it went.