I know I've left this too late

[Needing-answers]

I was supposed to be doing a 10k on the 19th June but I know I've left it too late to get to that distance in time. I've done Parkruns for the last few months on a regular basis but what with running with my daughter 2 to 3 times a weeks as she's doing her C25k plus the Parkrun. Although I have on some Saturday's run the Parkrun then driven to my daughters and within 30 minutes started the C25k and done close on another 4K.

If I change my routine this week and run less often and try and add 1.5 k to my long run for the next fortnight and try the 10k on the 3rd week (which is 3 weeks today!) am I asking for trouble? Some friends have said there's no need to train to the full 10k before then and make sure my general fitness is up to scratch doing core work, etc, in the gym in between.

I've spent far too long thinking about this instead of doing it and now I'm in a mess 😳 Help!

[Bazza1234 Graduate10]

I think that you have found your own answer -- but whatever you do, decide now and do exactly what you decide. You could run the first 5K at a pace just a couple of minutes slower than what you normally run - and then do one of the C25K weeks. That would get you close to 10K . You could do W1 day 1 , followed by W2D2 and then W3D3 - that would get you close to 10K .

You CAN do 10K - provided you don't think at all about pace or race time !!!

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to Bazza1234]

Now that I know I can do! Fab advice, thank you so much 😊

[AnnieW55]

You can do 10k, especially as you have some base fitness, just don't expect to actually race it or you will be asking for trouble and injury. 10k can be walked in a reasonable time, so by taking it steady and as Bazza says maybe planning in walk/run you will get there. Don't think you have to run all the way - you don't, you will see plenty of people walking in the first km, Ive seen it in all of the runs I have entered.

Whatever you decide: enjoy it if you do it. If you don't, then get your a*se in gear and make your mind up in plenty of time on the next one 😀

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to AnnieW55]

Doing what Bazza said means I have a plan, and I'm good with a constructive plan. And my a*se will definitely be in gear next time 😊

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10]

You can do it. You have basic fitness and have run up to 9k in one day. You can run 10k on the day even if it's only a one-off. Your plan sounds good - as Bazza1234 says you need to get on it now! I ran my first 10k (well, my only 10k) 6 weeks after graduation, very slowly. They say if you can do 5k regularly you can also do 10k (at least as a one-off). Good luck!

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thank you for your encouragement, it's a plan I know I can do. Time for action is now 😊

[Hidden]

Your base fitness should be ok, I think a sensible approach that Bazza1234 is advising is the way to go ☺

Would also think the crowd, atmosphere on the day and running with lots of people will carry you along too.

Increasing distance and time to quickly can increase the risk of injury, so wise to be cautious.

Having said all that have a fab day and run and the real bottom line is to enjoy it 😊

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I had been told by my friends that the crowds and the atmosphere will provide the extra I need that I'm not used to. But this next couple of weeks will have structure now. And I needed that 😊

[Hidden in reply to Needing-answers]

I have my 1st 10k race in June also , i am looking forward to see how much difference it all will make ☺

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Good luck 😊

[mfamilias Graduate10]

You can do it. Just don't put the pressure on yourself - you're not a performing monkey. Enjoyment is the key word, and the atmosphere on these events is enough to carry you through the last few kms.If you want something to motivate you apart from the great support on this forum, I recommend "running like a girl" by Alexandra Heminsley - I bought it for myself for mother's day (any excuse will do) and it's made me want to run every day. I'm running a 10k on the 19th, too.

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to mfamilias]

The book is on my lap right now! Someone recommended it to me on C25K and I ordered it! Just got to the San Francisco marathon chapter 😊

I did try running every day but I wore myself out and ended up on the IC.

I'm running tomorrow, I have a plan, it's do-able, and I'm far more optimistic than I was earlier. Thank you 😊

[mfamilias Graduate10 in reply to Needing-answers]

No spoilers please, I've just finished the second marathon. I want to run every day - whether I will manage that or not is a different matter...

[jt24 Graduate10]

I honestly think with the parkrun experience you'll be absolutely fine.

I've read many times in various other groups and articles that if you can 'easily' run 5k then you can physically run 10k, it's just more a mental matter.

I can vouch that I reached 10k just a few weeks after graduating without a 'plan'. I've been lucky with my running and I don't have any problem joints or muscles, I also am not speedy (10k on the flat in 1:14:41)

I recommend the standard 'slow and steady' and GO FOR IT

[Needing-answers Graduate10 in reply to jt24]

Thank you for that, it's really appreciated. I didn't come through the ranks of the C25K, and I ended up doing a Parkrun after building up on a more 'slap-dash' approach shall we say! But I'm more mindful of injuries now, so slow and steady suits me fine 😊