10k training - running days

[SueKen]

Hi Everyone, I took the plunge and signed up for a local 10k in April. Now thinking about my training plan. I currently enjoy my Parkrun on a Saturday, and when I can attend a running group on Thursday evenings. This means my other running day should be Mon or Tues. However, I already do other stuff (swimming and yoga) those nights, so I am stuck as to when to squeeze in my 3rd weekly run (I'm most definitely not a morning person, so running before work isn't an option, and most days lunchtime running isn't an option either). Would it be really terrible to run on 2 consecutive days, and run either Weds or Sun too?

Any advice/experience welcome, thanks.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Its tricky to fit things in sometimes, isn't it - but I would be wary of regular runs on consecutive days if you are increasing distance for the first time. Those rest days are precious repair and recovery time for your muscles. I don't know how 'new' you are to running but they reckon it take a at least two years to build up those running legs, after which we can start to demand a bit more of our bodies! Hopefully others will have some suggestions in how best to move forward and good luck with you 10k - it's a fab distance! Which one are you doing?☺

[SueKen Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks! I graduated in June, and have kept running since, albeit with a couple of injuries, so I am really cautious of doing too much too soon. Hence trying to get a good plan in place to gently increase my distance. I’m hoping to do the Regency Run in Leamington.

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Two years - great! Still time for me to improve then! 😄

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

You can train on two days a week running. I'm pretty sure that poppypug did a HM on two runs. Try a MyAsics plan, input your details including two runs and see what the plan throws up. It's free and if you don't like the look of it then you don't have to do it! Choose the mild option.

Alternatively could you swop your swimming or yoga to rest nights so you can get a third run in? You could also consider doing Parkrun once a month rather than every week.

[SueKen Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP. Hadn’t realised there was an option to change days in MyAsics, will give it a go. Swim and Yoga are fixed days unfortunately, but maybe I should think about skipping a few Parkruns 🙂

[poppypug Graduate10 in reply to SueKen]

I have followed the Asics plans for my 3 HM’s Running 2 day’s a week . They have been great !

Good Luck ! xx

[Sandyw Graduate10]

I used to worry about running 2 consecutive days but when I was training for HM found I had no choice and it was ok. Just found varying distance was the answer and not back to back long runs

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10]

I also occasionally run on consecutive days, but I didn't start until I had well over a year of running under my belt. I make sure the runs are different kinds of run, for instance a fast, but short run (3-4 k) followed by a slow and easy 5k. I wouldn't push on both runs. I also ran on consecutive days with a friend who was just starting out on holiday. One day I'd do my own thing and the next I'd go out for 20 - 30 mins at a slow pace with him to encourage and keep him motivated. I ran nearly every day over 2 weeks - but was tired at the end! You have to listen to your body and make sure you don't get overtired or injure yourself.

Good luck!

[Gabby08 Graduate10]

Honestly, I often do parkrun on a Saturday and then a long, slow run on a Sunday...but shhhhh, don’t tell anyone. I am very, very naughty 😬🙈😬

I would never ‘race’ parkrun and then run the next day. But if I’m just pootling round slowly with friends... I know, I know, I’m terrible...

[mrrun Graduate10 in reply to Gabby08]

Lol, you are doing similar to what l was doing. I felt confident, body felt good, what could possibly go wrong, right?

Two serious injuries with over 6 months, combined, of not running at all, that's what.

The beauty of a serious injury is the build up to it was long and the outburst sudden. Oh lord, how l laughed, and laughed....

Good luck!

[Gabby08 Graduate10 in reply to mrrun]

Ach, I know I’m going to have to kick my parkrun habit. But I just love it so much! Maybe I could be a permanent tail walker so I still get to take part?

[mrrun Graduate10 in reply to Gabby08]

Well, we all do what we have to do. I may have been unlucky and you may stay injury free forever, and l hope that you do.

I somehow prefer to leave back to back training, hard of easy, to young professional athletes.