12 Week 10k Plan

I've decided to do the Reepham Summer 10k on August 19th, this gives me 12 weeks to prepare myself for a much better time than the Race for Life 10k. I found a really good looking training plan which I have transferred to a Word document to make it easy to modify. I've only moved a few of the runs around but this should help the plan to fit into my week a bit better - send me an email or leave a comment if you'd like the doc sent over to modify yourself.

Race Report: Race For Life Norwich - 10k

Yesterday was what it had all been building up to, the Race For Life 10k (although, as we were reminded just before the start, it is not a race). We were told to turn up an hour before the start time of 10am to "soak up the atmosphere" but I got there at about 9.30am - still too early in my opinion. I'm not a big fan of the tutu's and fairy wings and face painting. I have relatives who've died of cancer so there's no need to show me the teary film of sadness. And I certainly do not want to join in with a zumbathon warm-up. So yeah, I really soaked up the atmosphere there...

Ali Bunn - number 1 before the race even started...
(pic from Heart)

Race Prep

So, tomorrow is the big day. After months of training and anticipation I'm finally going to be doing a 10k race! This past week I've been doing a few things to get me ready physically and, tonight, I'll be starting the mental preparation. So, here's how to prepare for race day.

Hydrate - This doesn't just mean drinking lots the day of the race. I have spent all week making sure I get a couple of litres of water every day. I'm not going to be drinking much on race day because I have a slight phobia of port-a-loos so it's extra specially important to get ready now.

Eat - Obviously carb loading isn't hugely important for a mere 10k but eating right this week is. I've been keeping with my regular routine of porridge in the morning, a light lunch  and a good square meal in the evening. Lots of fresh fruit and veg with brown rice and wholewheat pasta will give me all the energy I need.


Exercise - this aspect needs to strike a fine balance. Too little exercise and you'll not be feeling tip-top for the big day, too much and you'll be knackered. This week I've stuck with yoga or a light core workout every day and a short run on Wednesday.


Kit - I'll be getting all my kit together today and laid out ready for tomorrow morning. Always stick to worn-in kit to avoid unexpected mis-haps. Trainers, socks, shorts, t-shirt, cap, water, watch. I don't want to listen to music on my way round, Race For Life events tend to be full of atmosphere and I don't want to miss that!


Plan - I've pretty much decided that I'm not going to be able to run the whole way round. Persistent leg injuries have scuppered my training somewhat. My plan is to run the first 5k, walk the next 2k and run the last 3k. That way I should finish in under an hour. If I can run further, I will, but I won't be too disappointed.


So, that's it, I'm ready. I'm also very, very nervous! Wish me luck... x

How far is 10k?

Everyone's always saying that you train better if you have something to train for, which is why I've roped a few people into doing a 5k with me in March. But what happens after that? Do I just stick at 5k? No! I've just signed up to do the 10k Race for Life on May 19th in Norwich.