How to Prepare for a 10k in 14 Weeks: Free Step-by-Step Training Plan

Preparing for a 10K race isn’t as daunting as you might think, especially if you have time on your side. With enough dedication and consistency, 14 weeks is more than enough time to partake in your first 10K run.

In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare for a 10K in 14 weeks as a total beginner. We’ve also included some important tips and tricks to improve your running efficiency and avoid injury.

Let’s dive right in!

How Difficult Is This Training Plan?

Our 14-week 10K training plan has a low to intermediate level difficulty.

It starts off slow, with short 0.5-mile walks, and gradually increases difficulty as the weeks go by.

By the end of 14 weeks, you’ll be fit enough to run a 10K without pushing yourself to the maximum.

For those with zero running experience, this training plan might feel a bit too much to handle. It certainly seems a lot, at first glance. After all, you’ll have to run and train at least three times a week for 14 whole weeks.

Once you get past the first three to four weeks, though, the training will start to feel a lot less exhausting. Your body will eventually adapt to the stress exposed to it, making your runs easier even with the increased mileage and training.

Who Is This Training Plan For?

This 14-week training plan specifically caters to beginners and intermediate runners. It’s also suitable for advanced runners who are searching for a lighter training plan to improve and maintain their stamina.

If you’re an athlete looking to beat your PR or win first place, this training plan isn’t for you. It takes on a slow-and-steady approach, which might not be what you’re looking for.

Finally, this training schedule is for individuals who are in a healthy physical state and fitness level.

To start this plan, you should be able to walk at least 0.5 miles without getting out of breath.

This is easy enough for most runners. Half a mile takes no more than 10 minutes to walk.

If you’re suffering from obesity, chronic injuries, bone problems, and lung or heart disease, kindly consult a physician and get medically cleared for the race. The same is said if you’re recovering from illness or physical injury. 

What Does This Training Plan Consist Of?

This training schedule is divided into several workout plans, which are as follows:

Easy Run (ER)

Easy runs, also known as recovery runs, are done at a controlled and easy pace. They take longer than 30 minutes and have a maximum distance of 3 miles.

Easy runs are the most effective way to gradually build your speed and endurance. They develop and improve your cardiovascular system and aerobic capacity.

These types of runs are usually done at the start of every week. As the week progresses, we’ll tack in easy runs after your long runs as a cool-down session.

Long Run (LR)

As the name implies, long runs are extended runs designed to improve your stamina and endurance.

Unlike easy runs, long runs go above the 30-minute and 3-mile mark. It’s generally anything from 4 to 10 miles and beyond.

These types of runs improve your cardiovascular efficiency, increase your ability to use fat as fuel, and heighten your aerobic capacity. They also strengthen your musculoskeletal system, allowing you to work through muscular fatigue.

Despite popular belief, you don’t have to sprint or run too hard during your long runs. Instead, run at a steady, comfortable pace of 5 to 6 RPE.

If you’re running out of breath too fast on your runs, you’re going too fast. Reduce your pace to a light jog.

Interval Run

Interval runs alternate between periods of high intensity and low intensity running.

For instance, you’ll run a full two minutes (7 to 8 RPE, 75% intensity) and walk for one minute (3 RPE, 25% intensity). Repeat this interval three to five times, or until the goal time is reached.

Interval running is one of the most efficient ways of maximizing aerobic and anaerobic endurance. It also improves oxygen consumption, even if you exercise only about half as long as traditional endurance training.

Strength Training

How to Prepare for a 10k in 14 Weeks: Strength Training or Runners

Strength training is anything that involves using one or more muscle groups to perform a certain task.

There are multiple types of strength training exercises. Since our 14-week workout plan focuses on improving your running stamina and mileage, we recommend functional strength training instead of traditional bodyweight training.

Rather than working on a particular group of muscles independently, functional strength training exercises several joints and muscles at the same time.

Examples of functional strength training include:

  • Farmer’s walk
  • Push-ups
  • Lateral lunges
  • Planks
  • Single-leg dumbbell row
  • Jump squat
  • Climbing up and down the stairs

Throughout the training plan, you’re given the option to either rest, cross-train, or strength train. Make sure to add strength training to your weekly workout at least once a week.

Cross Training 

Swimming

Cross training helps you increase your speed, power, strength, and endurance, all of which are essential to completing a 10K run.

Cross training exercises train various parts of your body. It improves your overall performance by negating the shortcomings of running and strength exercises.

Examples of cross training include:

  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Rowing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Dancing
  • Yoga
  • Rollerblading
  • Boxing

Cross training doesn’t have to be intense. Even walking your dog for 30 minutes will do. Cross training takes you away from the regular training activities listed on the schedule. Be creative and have fun with it!

Rest Day

Rest days are just as important as training days.

This training plan gives you two optional rest days and one mandatory rest day.

As much as possible, avoid training for seven days straight. If you overwork yourself, you’re risking major injury.

Your rest days can include active recovery exercises like 20 minutes of easy cycling or swimming.

Stay away from laborious activities that’ll put a strain on your muscles.

If you’d like, indulge in a 5-minute ice bath or a full-body massage.

Rest days give your muscles the chance to repair the micro-tears that occurred during running. They reduce the risk of injuries while preventing mental burnout.

What Is RPE?

Throughout this plan, “RPE” is regularly mentioned.

RPE, or Rating of Perceived Exertion, is an international scale that measures your perceived exertion during physical activity. It identifies the intensity of your exercise based on the effort level you need to exert.

RPE uses a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the least effort and 10 is the maximum effort.

As the weeks pass, the RPE level of your workouts will increase. It starts off with a level 3 RPE and ends with a level 8 RPE.

To give you an idea of what the RPE scale stands for, use this guide as a reference:

  • 1 RPE – Very light activity; no effort at all
  • 2 RPE – Light activity; Sunday stroll walk.
  • 3 RPE – Light activity; brisk walk.
  • 4 RPE – Moderate activity; light jog.
  • 5 RPE – Progressive activity; steady jog at a conversational pace.
  • 6 RPE – Progressive activity; quick jog but still at a conversational pace.
  • 7 RPE – Hard activity; quick but sustainable pace, can speak in short sentences.
  • 8 RPE – Very hard activity; tough, high-effort pace, can speak in short phrases.
  • 9 RPE – Vigorous activity; high-intensity pace; talking requires maximum effort.
  • 10 RPE – Maximum activity; all-out sprint, sustainable for just 20-30 seconds.

14-Week 10K Training Plan For Beginners and Intermediate Runners

Now that we’ve discussed the basics, here’s our 14-week 10K training plan:

Week 1

  • Monday: 20-minute cross training.
  • Tuesday: 0.5-mile ER at a comfortable pace.
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute strength training.
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 10 times.
  • Friday: Rest.
  • Saturday: 20-minute strength training.
  • Sunday: 1-mile ER at an easy pace.

Week 2

  • Monday: 20-minute CT
  • Tuesday: 1-mile ER at an easy pace
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 8 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 20-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 1.5-mile ER at an easy pace

Week 3

  • Monday: 20-minute cross training + 10-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 1.5-mile ER at an easy pace
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 3 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 4 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 20-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 2-mile ER at an easy pace

Week 4

  • Monday: 20-minute cross training + 10-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 2-mile ER at an easy pace
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 4 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 4 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 20-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 2.5-mile ER at an easy pace

Week 5

  • Monday: 20-minute cross training + 20-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 2.5-mile ER at an easy pace
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 30-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 3-mile ER at an easy pace

Week 6

  • Monday: 20-minute cross training + 20-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 3-mile ER at an easy pace
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 5 minutes, walk 4 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 30-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 3.5-mile LR at 4 RPE (gentle jog)

Week 7

  • Monday: 30-minute cross training + 10-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 3.5-mile LR at 4 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 30-minute interval run: run 7 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 3.5-mile LR at 4 RPE

Week 8

  • Monday: 20-minute cross training + 30-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 3.5-mile LR at 4 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 20-minute CT
  • Thursday: 40-minute interval run: run 10 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 3.5-mile LR at 5 RPE

Week 9

  • Monday: 30-minute cross training + 20-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 3.5-mile LR at 5 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 45-minute interval run: run 12 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 4-mile LR at 5 RPE

Week 9

  • Monday: 30-minute cross training + 20-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 4-mile LR at 5 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 45-minute interval run: run 12 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 4.5-mile LR at 5 RPE

Week 10

  • Monday: Rest or 30-minute cross training + 30-minute strength training.
  • Tuesday: 4.5-mile LR at 5 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 50-minute interval run: run 15 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 5-mile LR at 6 RPE (quick jog)

 

Week 11

  • Monday: Rest or 40-minute cross training
  • Tuesday: 5-mile LR at 5 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 40-minute interval run: run 20 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 5.5-mile LR at 6 RPE (quick jog)

Week 12

  • Monday: Rest or 40-minute cross training
  • Tuesday: 5.5-mile LR at 5 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 60-minute interval run: run 25 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat 5 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 5.5-mile LR at 6 RPE (quick jog)

Week 13

  • Monday: Rest or 40-minute cross training
  • Tuesday: 5.5-mile LR at 5 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 70-minute interval run: run 30 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat 5 times.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 40-minute strength training
  • Sunday: 6-mile LR at 7 RPE (quick but sustainable pace)

Week 14

  • Monday: Rest or 40-minute CT
  • Tuesday: 6-mile LR at 6 RPE
  • Wednesday: Rest or 30-minute CT
  • Thursday: 50 to 60-minute run at 10K race pace.
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: 30-minute cross training
  • Sunday: Race day!

Final Thoughts On How To Prepare For A 10k In 14 Weeks

There you have it; our guide on how to prepare for a 10k in 14 weeks! If followed correctly and consistently, this training will prepare your body for the 10K marathon.

Although developed for beginners and intermediate runners, experienced runners with little time on their hands will also find this training useful. Daily training clocks at an average of 30 minutes, and takes no more than 50 minutes to complete.

Good luck with your race!