This training plan is for beginner runners with little to no experience with running who want to run a Turkey Trot/Road Race (can range anywhere from a mile to a 10k race). It consists of mostly easy runs, but also includes some shorter, quicker pickups in the run as well as some longer runs. The goal for this plan is to get you to the starting line feeling fitter than you were 5 weeks prior without leaving you tired/exhausted.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

-Easy Run Pace: This should be a pace where you are able to easily hold a conversation with someone one a run without feeling worn down. You should not be feeling wiped out after an easy run.
-Strides are a pace that is MUCH quicker than easy run pace, but is NOT a sprint. Think of comfortably fast. If you were to put a pace to it, it would be close to your mile race pace. Make sure to do a verry slow 100 meter jog or 45-60sec jog in between your strides.
-Long Runs: The purpose of these is time on feet! Should mainly be going easy pace on these or a touch faster but ONLY if you're feeling great that day.
-Recovery run: Slower than easy run pace! This can be a pretty big range because recovery is so different for everyone. However, I always tell my athletes, the slower the better. It's okay to jog, it's okay to run slow. This is where you grow and absorb the hard training sessions.