10K in 5 weeks - I can do it can't I?

[LillethTheCat]

I started running last Easter and in Sept I took part in my first (and only) 10K race. Since then Ive wanted to do another, but over winter a lot of the races are mainly run by club runners who are much faster than me.

Ive not really been running as much as I should since October. In fact the last time I ran was 4 weeks ago when I did 5K in just under 30 mins. So I have got 5 weeks to build myself up to a 10K race.

Unfortunately its due to snow this week, but I have got an exercise bike. So I can do that this week and hopefully get out the week after.

Does it sound doable?

Yay for getting the running bug, and yes it is do-able. 10k is only an hour of running (ish), and if you are already running for 30 minutes reasonably comfortably then just extend your long run by 5-10 minutes each week.

Get out when you can - just 20 minutes at a reasonable pace with some short bursts between lamp posts or bushes thrown in is a great foundation.

Runners World website has useful training plans too ... Good luck.

Thanks for the tips LiveItUp Just got back from doing a Parkrun where I ran the 5K in 29 mins, 20 secs. I had done a warm up mile before hand too.

I will have a proper look at the Runners World website. I have been on before, but not really looked round it properly.

Just hope the weather isn't too bad so I can get out regularly, but I do have my exercise bike so I could pop on there for an hour if I can't get out to keep my fitness levels up.

When I did the 10K in Sept I ran a time of 1 hr 6 mins (can't remember the secs) so I know I can do it this time.

Sounds like you'll have 10K licked with no problems. And smash your record!

No bother Lilleth :)
Sounds like you are more or less there anyway if you did nearly 7k yesterday (Parkrun plus warm-up), most training programmes don't get you to do the full race distance anyway. As LiveItUp says just slightly extend one run a week and you will do 10k easily even if you have to use the bike this week.

I'm planning on swimming this week to get things going again as the weather looks horrible here too. I need some bright, clear winter days to get out into the fields again as I'm pining

I did get up with the intention of having a run this aft before the school run, but its so cold out there (though I did read the colder the temp it is the more calories you burn). Was thinking of 5 miles running 10 mins walking 2 repeatedly. It was meant to be sunny, but its cloudy. Mind you the fields are nice and pretty to look at (I live in the country so wonderful scenery) and I would be more up for it if it was sunny.

Will let my lunch settle and go out just after 2 I think.

Thanks for the encouragement. Though doubt I will smash my record, just to get round and not come last will do me.