This training plan is for runners who:

• may have already completed a 40minute 10k or very close to
• are already able to run for 60 minutes or more
• can train six times a week
• has had 4 weeks of easy running before starting this plan
• are committed to giving the plan their best shot.

Arrange the runs around your commitments and balance these with rest days. To get the best from the plan balance training with good nutrition, hydration and quality sleep.

Before setting out on an exercise regime you are well advised to visit your doctor for a check-up. A good doctor will be pleased to see you and should give you some advice on setting out – particularly if you have had a health problem like asthma or suffer from carrying excess weight.

It is also advised you consult a physiotherapist prior to starting a regime.

The plan includes different types of training (some are listed below) and progresses in volume and intensity before tapering for Race Day. Make the plan personal to you. If you miss some of the plan as a result of injury, illness or other pressures, don’t try to make up for lost time by cramming the missed training in and doing more. If you’re feeling tired, adjust the plan, reduce the intensity of the run or go for an ‘easy’ run instead of trying to force yourself to fit in the workout. This can increase the risk of further fatigue, injury or illness. Also try to get a massage a couple of times during the 10-week programme to help recovery and reduce the risk of injury.

On the day of the race, don’t try any food/drinks/gels that you haven’t tried before in training. Stick to what you’re used to.

Easy
In general, Easy running is running at a comfortable, conversational pace, which certainly may vary daily, depending on how you are feeling. Approximately 59-74% of VO2max or 65-79% of your Maximum HR Heart Rate (HRmax) if you use Heart Rate training.

Marathon
These runs are performed at current marathon pace. If you haven’t run a marathon recently but have done so previously, be realistic in as to what pace you can run at this effort. If you don’t have a pb then add approximately 38-40secs/mile on to your 10km race pace OR it can be roughly worked out as 75-84% VO2Max/80-90% of your HRmax.

Tempo
The effort for these runs can be described as a “controlled discomfort”. Paces for these are between 10miles-Half Marathon pace OR 83-88% of VO2Max/88-92% of HRmax.

Hilly Run
These runs should be run at easy run effort. After 5-10minutes Easy flat running, the run should be undulating until 5-10minutes before the end which again should be on flat terrain.

Continuous Run Alternating Paces (Week 8)
After 15minutes easy running the main session is 30minutes alternating the pace every 3minutes between marathon pace and tempo pace. So for the first 3minutes, the athlete runs at marathon pace and for the next 3minutes runs at tempo pace. The athlete repeats this 9 more times to make 30minutes total (15minutes @ marathon, 15minutes @ tempo).