Back from a break and looking for advice - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

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Back from a break and looking for advice

ReyC profile image
ReyCGraduate10
7 Replies

Hello all 👋🏽

I did c25k a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I’m not fast but I tried to build up my distance getting to about 8km at the max. Then life got in the way and I gave up running for years.

About 6 months ago I picked up c25k again and got back into the habit of running.

I’m better when I have a goal so I’m aiming to do a 10k.

At the moment I’m running twice a week, doing one 5k and one longer run that I edge up by about .5k every couple of weeks… so currently doing 6.5k for my longer run.

So my questions are:

- Does this seem like a decent plan? I’d love to hear what has worked for others..

- Does anyone know of relaxed 10k races in London? I’d like to enter one for a goal but I’m slow (av pace is 6.45mins per km) and don’t want to ruin my confidence by being the last in a super competitive race

Thanks!

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ReyC profile image
ReyC
Graduate10
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7 Replies
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10

Welcome back! It’s great to have you here. That plan of yours sounds great. If it’s working for you, stick with it!

There’s a version of the magic plan that has two runs a week if you wanted a more formal plan to follow. It’s similar to yours with a 5k and a longer run. The increases are a little bigger but there are cut back weeks. Here’s the direct link…

drive.google.com/file/d/1fv...

And some general information about the magic plan…

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

I’ve often found myself obsessing over which plan is best to hit my next goal when there are lots of different ways that will all get you there. As long as you’re increasing at a sensible rate (which you are), whatever fits best with the way you like to run is usually the best one to go for.

Finally, I don’t know London events at all but I do know about the super friendly and helpful marathon running and race support forum who absolutely will have suggestions. You’d be most welcome there. You don’t have to be aiming for a marathon-there are lots of people running 10k events there too.

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Good luck with your journey to 10k 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

EDIT: I forgot to say, you’re not slow! If you’re worried about being last (I can relate to that!), most big events have results available from the previous year’s race so you can see where your estimated finish time will put you. Big events often attract a big range of runners so I’m sure you won’t be last! I’ve really enjoyed the two I’ve done so far and I’m sure you will too. It’s such a positive atmosphere. Everyone aiming to run their own “best” race, whether that’s a pb or enjoying finishing. It’s camaraderie rather than competition.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Well done, a relaxed 10K in London, you could try the London Vitality 10,000, it's usually sometime in May.

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

It's brilliant that you've rediscovered running, life does have habitat of getting in the way at times.I worked my way up to 10k by running twice a week, I did loosely based plan on the magic plan linked above. What you are doing sounds like it's working for you.

I'm sure you'll find an event to give you a go focus.

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate10

I agree, your plan sounds great. And another vote for the London Vitality 10,000, which is usually at the beginning of May but doesn’t seem to have a confirmation date yet, that I can see.

It is a HUGE event (not for everyone, I know) around central London, so lots of landmarks and entertainment! I can assure you that with your pace, there will be many running much slower than you and having the time of their life!

Good luck in your journey to 10K - a great distance.🙂

damienair profile image
damienairAdministrator

Welcome back and your 10K plan is perfect. That is exactly how I’ve built up to 10K in the past. By adding 0.5K onto a longer run each week. Enjoy your training and happy running.

Chinkoflight profile image
Chinkoflight

Hi ReyC I'd be happy with that time especially as you are only part way in to an improvement plan!Here's a link to all the London 10k's coming up. I'm envious there's so much choice especially the summer evening park runs. I've no experience of any of them but they have pretty good notes, guidance and review information. Hope it helps

findarace.com/10k-runs/london

ReyC profile image
ReyCGraduate10

thanks so much everyone! I loved this forum when I did c25k and it’s so great that’s it’s still so helpful and motivating. Thanks to you all for encouragement and I’ll have a look at all those races.. and keep chipping away at the distance ;)

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