And you could likely pull off a 10K in as little as eight weeks if your goal is to simply finish the distance, Kai Ng, USATF- and RRCA-certified run coach in New Jersey and New York, tells Runner’s World.

That said, you can probably train for a 5K in just six weeks if you’re in marathon shape, Lindsay Flanagan, Boulder, Colorado-based coach with RunDoyen and ASICS pro runner, tells Runner’s World. But if you want the highest chance of being successful? Then a longer training period is best. “I know that sounds long for the mile,” she says. The amount of time you’ll need to train for a mile, 5K, or 10K PR will depend on various factors including your current fitness level, how ambitious your goal is, and frankly, how much effort you’re willing and able to put into training.įor most any distance, Sekely recommends a 12- to 16-week training period. A Weight-Training Workout to Increase Speed.

And one great way to achieve said variety is to focus on speed for a season by training for a shorter event like the mile, 5K, or 10K. Injecting variety into your running routine can ultimately make you stronger, more resilient, and more efficient at the sport, Sekely explains. “Our body loves variability,” Victoria Sekely, P.T., D.P.T., NYC-based physical therapist and run coach, tells Runner’s World. Ironclad endurance? Serious mental strength? Bragging rights? Check, check, and check.īut if you want to be the best runner possible, it’s important to regularly switch up your training. We’re all for long-distance running and the amazing benefits you can reap from training for and competing in races like the half marathon, full marathon, and ultras.

How to Stay Consistent With Speed Training Through Summer.

Other Workouts to Round Out Your Speed Training.

The Type of Speed Workouts to Add to Your Schedule.

How to Set a Speed Goal You Can Achieve.

Download 10k run plan for beginners