Expert Panel Questions???

“Ok. I’m just starting the couch to 5k program. I think if I plan for August 1st I will be ready for any coming run during that time. Already thinking ahead now; I’m worried about what is next? How do I increase training for a 10 K and how much time needed.”

(ask your questions to the UtahRunning.com Experts)

Answer!!!

First off, congratulations on taking the first step . . . making the decision to do it! My suggestion to you, if you haven’t already, is to pick a specific 5k race that you want to do and register/sign up for it. This gives you a deadline and helps your training become more specific and purposeful.

Once you’ve done a 5k and you’re ready to tackle a 10k, really the only thing that will change in your training is you’ll gradually increase your mileage. I personally think that if you’ve put in the training for a 5k you could do a 10k as early as 2 or 3 weeks after the 5k. The key is the increase in mileage, maybe a half a mile at a time (more or less depending on how you’re feeling).

I would suggest getting your regular distance runs up to a distance further than 6 miles so that when the 10k does come around you’ll be confident knowing that you’ve done it before! Good luck and have fun!

by Lindsey Anderson – Olympian | Professional Athlete