Signed up for a 10K race and have just under a month to prepare? We’ve got you covered.
While it seems near-impossible to finish a 10K as a beginner, it’s more attainable than you think. It’s challenging, for sure, but as long as you fully dedicate yourself to your goal, 6.2 miles will be nothing more than a walk—or in this case, a run—in the park.
So, get your running shoes and compression shorts ready as we discuss how to prepare for a 10k in 4 weeks.
Is Running a 10K Difficult?
If you can pace yourself and comfortably run 4 to 6 miles without pause, a 10K race isn’t all that difficult. It can be as easy as any other hour-long exercise.
If you’re running a 10K without prior training or running experience, though, it can be extremely difficult and sometimes even agonizing.
Diving head-first into the race without preparation puts yourself at risk for broken bones, sprained ankles, and torn ligaments. If you want to be out there for an hour, you need to at least be in physical shape.
Competitive 10K is a whole different can of worms. Since you’re almost always up against experienced and pro-level athletes, competitive 10K is immensely difficult for beginner runners.
For this reason, professional trainers advise against participating in competitive 10K during your first few 10Ks.
All in all, a 10K race is only difficult if you’re not physically prepared for it. As long as you pace yourself during the run, 6.2 miles should be a breeze.
What Is the Average 10K Time?
Regardless of whether you’re a beginner runner or an experienced 10K runner, completing a 10K is an accomplishment that you should be proud of no matter what.
6.2 miles isn’t a short distance, not by a long shot, so don’t be too harsh on yourself if you didn’t meet the goal you’ve set for your run.
With that said, it’s still worth knowing how your time stacks up against other 10K runners to further improve your personal bests.
There are several factors that affect your overall 10K time, including:
- Musculoskeletal health
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Experience
- Age
On average, running a 10K should take you anywhere between 50 to 90 minutes.
Beginners take around 70 to 90 minutes to complete a 10K.
Reasonably fit runners clocking about 15 to 30 miles per week can complete a 10K in 50 to 70 minutes.
Exceptionally fit runners, on the other hand, have the ability to finish a 10K in just 43 to 50 minutes.
Professional runners can run a mile every 7 minutes, whereas casual runners can complete a mile every 10 to 14 minutes.
Who Is This Training Plan For?
Hailed as the second-most popular race after the half marathon, a 10K race is one of the best challenges a runner can partake in. It’s ideal for individuals looking to improve and balance their strength, endurance, and overall energy.
The training schedule we’re tackling today is fitted for beginner 10K runners rather than inexperienced and inactive runners.
To follow the schedule without injuring or working yourself to the bone, you should first be able to comfortably run at least 2 miles without stopping or running out of breath. Otherwise, you might find this workout plan to be excessively tiring.
In general, a 10K race is a challenge tackled by semi-experienced runners. For this reason, this training plan is catered towards individuals who have previously completed a 5K race before.
It’s also for people who have been running at least two to three times a week for the past three months. Your weekly mileage should be around 5 to 6 miles.
Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t reached that level just yet; you have plenty of time to train until your next 10K. In the meantime, start training for a 5K race first.
Also, this training plan is for runners who are in a relatively healthy and fit state. Make sure you aren’t suffering from illness or prior injuries before starting this plan.
If you’re older and/or aren’t in the best shape, consult with a physician first and make sure you’re medically cleared for training. Let them know when the race will be and what your intentions are.
What Does This Training Plan Consist Of?
This 4-week training plan alternates with Long Runs (LR), Easy Runs (ER), and Cross Training (CR).
Since you only have 4 weeks to prepare for your 10K, you’ll have to train for at least 30 minutes at least four days a week.
Don’t go overboard, though. You should aim for at least one day of complete rest.
Long Runs
Stamina is one of the most important aspects of 10K racing, which you’ll develop through your long runs.
When we say “long run,” we mean it literally. No stopping or walking until you complete the given miles.
Don’t worry, though; you don’t have to run fast or hard. In fact, you should run at an easy pace.
If you’re running out of breath during your long runs, you’re going too fast. Slow down and lessen your pace.
Easy Runs
Easy runs are much more forgiving than long runs. With easy runs, you can pause and walk once in a while if you get tired.
Like long runs, your easy runs should be at a comfortable, conversational pace.
Cross-Training
On cross-training days, you can either take the day off or do some easy cross-training exercises. Fun cross-training activities include:
- Swimming
- Biking
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Sports (soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball)
- Strength training (weight lifting, push-ups, squats)
- Dancing
- Skiing
- Aqua jogging
4-Week 10K Training Plan For Beginners
Now that we’ve discussed everything you need to know before starting this training plan, here’s a preview of your 4-week training program:
Week 1 Training Schedule
- Monday: 2 miles ER
- Tuesday: 30 minutes CT
- Wednesday: 2 miles ER
- Thursday: 30 minutes CT or rest
- Friday: 2 miles ER or brisk walk
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: 3 miles LR
Week 2 Training Schedule
- Monday: 2.5 miles ER
- Tuesday: 30 minutes CT
- Wednesday: 2.5 miles ER
- Thursday: 30 minutes CT or rest
- Friday: 2.5 miles ER or brisk walk
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: 4 miles LR
Week 3 Training Schedule
- Monday: 3 miles ER
- Tuesday: 30 minutes CT
- Wednesday: 3 miles ER
- Thursday: 30 minutes CT or rest
- Friday: 3 miles ER or brisk walk
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: 5 mile LR
Week 4 Training Schedule
- Monday: 3 miles ER
- Tuesday: 30 minutes CT
- Wednesday: 3 miles ER
- Thursday: 30 minutes CT or rest
- Friday: 3 miles ER or brisk walk
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: Race day
Tips to Following During Your 4-Week Training
To effectively and safely train for a 10K in 4 weeks, follow these tips:
Warm Up
Always start your training program with a short 5-minute warm-up.
Warming up revs your cardiovascular system and prepares your body for aerobic activity. It also reduces the risk of injury and muscle soreness.
According to sports rehab therapist James Dunne, here are some of the best warm-up exercises before a run:
- Ankle rocks
- Ankle pumps
- Hip mobility
- Trunk rotation knee drives
- Leg swings (front to back and side to side)
- Air squats
Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard
Forget the quote, “no pain, no gain.” If you’re experiencing pain during your training, stop and reevaluate your physical state and the schedule you’re following.
The above training plan isn’t easy, but it shouldn’t feel excessively difficult, either, especially if you’re used to running two miles at a conversational pace.
To avoid pushing yourself too hard, it’s a good idea to wear a heart rate monitor. The monitor will track your body’s response to the activity you’re doing.
When training, your heart rate should stay just above 70% of your maximum heart rate.
If your heart rate exceeds 145 beats per minute, slow down. Anything over 200 beats per minute is considered dangerous.
Eat Healthy
During your 4-week training, stay away from processed and overly fatty foods.
Lean towards naturally healthy foods with a ton of vitamins and minerals. Incorporate a lot of plant-based foods into your diet, as well as nuts, fish, beans, and whole grains.
Don’t forget the liquids, either.
Avoid alcohol, sodas, and sweet drinks. Instead, replace them with milk, fruit smoothies, coconut juice, and vegetable juice.
You can also drink coffee and tea without added sweeteners, and low-calorie diet drinks.
Most importantly: water. Drink at least 70 to 80 fluid ounces of water a day, or 8 to 10 cups.
For every pound you lose on your runs, drink an additional 15 to 20 ounces of water.
Final Thoughts On How To Prepare For A 10k In 4 Weeks
This concludes our article on how to prepare for a 10k in 4 weeks!
The training plan we’ve set is challenging but doable. For best results, train for at least 5 days a week and rest for at least a day.
Make sure you wear your best running gear during your training, as well.
Good luck!