Is this you?
- You have never run before and you’d like to try
- You used to run but haven’t run in three months or longer
- You tried to run once but it was too hard
- You’ve been injured and want to be healthy and run again but need some guidance
In this program you’ll alternate walking time with running time and comfortably progress to magical “10-and-ones” in 10 weeks: that’s 10 minutes of running alternating with one minute of walking… and you’ll be able to complete 5K-10K easy-peasy! Choose your three days but ensure you don’t run two days in a row.
Coaching Tips
- Be patient. Most people tend to do too much too fast too soon.
- Stick to the schedule — one week at a time – three times per week. No more and no less.
- Make sure you have good supportive shoes when you start the program.
- Stay at an easy talking pace.
- Do a dynamic warm-up to get the circulation going.
- Include static stretches afterwards in your cool down.
- Arms establish your rhythm. Hold your body tall, shoulders square and relaxed, arms bent at about 90 degrees, and elbows tight to your sides with a relaxed little swing of the arms, forward and back. Careful not to cross the midline of the body.
- Technique. Most people overstride. Think “light on your feet.” Feet landing on your midfoot under your base of support, and very little knee lift. Keep your knees soft with a slight bend as you land. Think of a boxer as he dances in the ring with quick little steps.
- Take a big breath in every so often. Then exhale fully and completely.
- Keep a logbook and record your successes.
- Take a break from the pavement or asphalt.
- Pay attention to any aches or discomfort. If you feel discomfort then scale back.
- Invite a friend or canine creature to follow the program with you.
Download a PDF of the 10K, 10-Week Training Plan.
Read this story in the digital edition of IMPACT Magazine.
IMPACT Magazine’s 2021 Running Issue
Looking for running inspiration? Training for a race? We have first-rate training programs designed by some of the best running coaches for your next 10K, Half-Marathon, Marathon and 70.3 distances, plus an epic Road Running Shoe Review to help you get started on the right foot. Plus – our annual RACE SOURCE GUIDE features hundreds of races that you can participate in from virtual to in-person.
