Everything You Need To Know About 10K Running
The 10K run is a long-distance road running race that takes place over ten kilometers (6.2 miles). The 10K road race, often known as the 10 km or just 10K, is one of the most popular forms of road running event, along with the shorter 5K and the longer half marathon and marathon. The distance is generally stated in kilometers rather than meters to distinguish it from the 10,000-meter track running event. A 10K run takes roughly an hour on average; the world record is just over 26 minutes. If you’re a beginner, your focus should be on thoroughly training for the distance and completing it in a proper form to avoid any injury. You can aim to beat your personal best for the distance in subsequent 10K events.
Should Beginners Run a 5K or 10K?
Is it better to run 5K or 10K as a beginner? It’s a fantastic question, and the answer will rely on two factors: first, your level of fitness before you begin real training for a race, and second, how many weeks you want to dedicate to rigorous training. Let’s start with the question of physical fitness. Many new runners get into a habit of running three miles three times each week. If you want to run a 5K, that’s great news because it’s just 3.1 miles. You know you’ll be able to complete the 5K course, which should set your mind at ease. But finishing a 5K is one thing; racing a 5K is quite another. To truly race a 5K, you’ll need to perform a weekly long run as well as another aerobic exercise throughout the week, such as a fartlek run, threshold run, or some track aerobic repetitions.
And if you really want to see how fast you can run a 5K, you have to be honest with yourself about the fact that you’ll feel fine for the first half-mile, but you’ll soon be uncomfortable for the middle two miles, and you’ll have to suffer a little in the last half mile to complete the race in the time you’re capable of. That’s the difference between running races for the sake of having a good time with your friends and running races to push your physical limitations. The runner who runs three miles three times a week for 10K training will not have the same confidence in his or her ability to run the race distance of 6.2 miles since he or she has never run that far during their runs. As a result, a 10K beginner’s training should last a few weeks longer in order to prepare for the event.
Why Beginners Should Start With a 5K?
A 5K is my recommendation for numerous reasons. You’ll have the basic abilities to run with discomfort when you discover how to challenge yourself during a 5K, which will help you accomplish larger distances. From start to end, a well-run 5K is a slog, and the sooner you learn to run with the agony of the 5K, the faster you’ll be able to establish PRs at greater distances. This isn’t to suggest you shouldn’t run a few 5Ks for pleasure, whether with friends or with a stroller or a dog. On the other hand, if you’ve been running for some time and want to see how fast you can go, you’ll need to learn how to push yourself. A 5K event is an excellent start to road racing for beginners if you’ve never run a race before. If you don’t think you’re ready for a 10K but want to run or walk a 5K, you may utilize a free 5K training program to get ready.
The 5K training is quite straightforward: a weekly long run and a weekly exercise, which is ideal for new runners. If you do those two things, then add in another day or two of running, you’ll be able to set a new personal best. Increase your long-run distance to 5 or 6 miles. A threshold or fartlek run should be your major workout of the week to improve your aerobic metabolism, which is crucial because the 5K is 95 percent aerobic. Another reason why new runners should start with the 5K is that they may still engage in other cross-training activities while preparing for the race. Because you won’t be running as much, yoga, biking, swimming, and other activities will still be beneficial to your training.
When to Move Up in Distance to the 10K?
Even if you’re still a novice, once you’ve raced a few solid 5Ks, you’re ready to move on to the 10K. The sense of achievement that comes from racing 6.2 miles is the primary motivation for a newbie to run a 10K. It’s a different experience than running a 5K, and if you do it right — even splits for the first 5 miles, then a negative split for the final 1.2 miles — you’ll feel fantastic about yourself when you finish. For 10K training, you’ll need to increase the amount of your long run and exercise days. A long run of at least 8 kilometers is recommended, but 9 or 10 kilometers is even better. The workout should also be a little longer than 5K sessions, with a total length of around 6 miles.
However, the easy days don’t have to be any longer than the easy runs you performed during your 5K preparation. It’s wonderful if you can go a little further on your easy days, but that’s not the secret to a solid 10K race. You’ll be ready to go after a 10K-appropriate long run and a 10K-appropriate exercise. It’s worth noting that certain 10K training regimens need you to exercise three times each week. There is no need to add a third workout each week for beginners. However, if you progress into an intermediate runner, you may want to switch to two sessions per week and a weekly long run (so a total of three hard days a week).
Because you’re running more, a coach becomes useful at this time because you’re becoming fit and racing well. You also have to look out for overuse issues because you’re running more. You’ll also need someone to assist you to strike a balance between exercises that are difficult enough to elicit a training stimulus while also allowing for rest and regeneration. Simply said, the fitter and quicker you are as a runner, the more difficult it becomes to stay injury-free and progress with your “old” training. Consider starting with 5Ks if you’re a novice who wants to train properly so that you can race rather than merely participate in an event. They’ll show you how to keep running even while you’re in pain. If you enjoy running 5K races, you may take on the challenge of running 10Ks after committing to increasing the mileage of your long run and weekly aerobic training.
How To Get From 5k To 10k?
When you first start running, your primary aim is almost certainly to complete that first 5k. However, after a few 5k runs, you’ve become accustomed to the difficulty of a 5k. While running 5 kilometers is no minor achievement, it may serve as a good basis for longer runs. If you’ve completed a few 5k races, 10k is the next attainable objective to aim for and increase your mileage. Can I run a 10k if I can run a 5k? this question will keep coming to your mind once you’ve mastered 5k runs. If you’re ready to step up to a 10k run, keep in mind that distance running is an aerobic activity that needs our bodies to consume oxygen to produce energy, and the longer the distance, the more energy is necessary to finish the run. While this may appear to be a difficult task, it is entirely possible with the appropriate training regimen.
So stick with me as we go over the things you should think about while going from a 5k to a 10k run. Here are some pointers to help you seamlessly move from a 5k to a 10k:
Why Running Longer Distance Is Important?
Remember when you first began running and any worries you had about your abilities to complete a 5k. Those first few months of running were incredibly motivating as you overcame your anxieties and ran an additional few minutes each week, gradually increasing your distance to 5 kilometers. Each week gave you the longest run of your life, and your confidence grew as your fitness improved. You now have the opportunity to regain those incredible feelings: 10k is waiting for you, and you can do the longest run of your life each week on your way to 10k. It doesn’t get much better than that when it comes to running.
What Changes Do You Need In Training?
You don’t need to make any big adjustments to your running regimen if you’re already a regular runner. In fact, if you’re a 5k runner who currently runs three times a week, you won’t notice much of a change in your training week. The only significant difference is that you’ll add five minutes to your weekend long run each week. You may continue with your two midweek runs as they are. Does it seem too good to be true?
Build Endurance Over Time
It’s remarkable how our bodies adapt to continuous training and how endurance increases, even if we just do it once a week when we go on our “long run.” The key to finishing the 10k distance without being overwhelmed is to focus just on the current week of training. After a few weeks, you’ll be a whole different runner, and what looks daunting now will be a lot more doable once you’ve completed a few longer runs.
How Long Will It Actually Take?
Most recreational runners take more than an hour to complete their first 10k, and the one-hour barrier is intimidating when your current ‘long run’ is only 5k. I can still recall the precise road intersection when my phone beeped to inform me that I had reached the magical one-hour mark. I never imagined I’d be able to run for an hour straight. But I was able to do it, and you can as well. You’re one of the fortunate ones. The moment your watch or phone beeps to inform you that you have run for more than one hour for the first time is approaching. It’s rather unique, and you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.
Go Easy On Yourself
I frequently advise runners to include Parkrun in their long run. Start by running for an extra five minutes before your Parkrun on Saturday. You complete the “extra” distance early and rely on the group’s encouragement to get you through the last 5k of the long run. You’ll be running 30–40 minutes before Parkrun by the conclusion of the program. If Parkrun isn’t an option, meet a friend for the second half of your run and let them take your mind off the clock.
Mind Your Pace
When you combine Parkrun with a long run, you must keep your running pace in control. During these long runs, keep your speed modest and comfortable. The long-run focuses on endurance rather than speed. If you love running at a faster pace, add it in your midweek runs or when preparing for your next 10k.
Look For A Race
Those of you who have been persuaded to join me might celebrate your achievement by signing up for a local 10k in April. There are a lot of them throughout the United States. If you really want to make a big deal out of this event, search for a race that’s a little further away. The options are infinite — 10k runs are as popular in Europe as they are in the United States. While some individuals are motivated by trophies and race tees, others would rather do their 10k alone on a lonely country road. Put a date in your calendar for your first 10k, whichever method you want. The mind is always focused when there is a deadline.
Remember: You’re not in a hurry
If you are very new to running, I recommend that you enjoy the 5k distance for at least six months before attempting the 10k. Allow your body to adjust to running, develop a strong fitness foundation, and experiment with pace, hills, and various routes during the course of your 5k journey this spring. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future to tackle longer distances, but missing the early stages will make your path to 10k much more difficult. Only join me on the 10k trail when you are certain the time is suitable.
Increase Your Distance Gradually
It will take some time to develop the distance for a 10K, so be patient and gradually increase the distance over the following weeks. Transitioning from a 5k to a 10k takes about 6–8 weeks on average; however, the time length may vary based on your fitness level and training consistency. Begin your training with an eight-week workout schedule, gradually increasing the distance each week. To keep track of your times and miles traveled, use a logbook or an app. If you begin running a 10K on the first day, you will put yourself in danger of injury.
Include Strength Training in Your Training
One of the biggest advantages of preparing for a 10K rather than a half or full marathon is that you can squeeze in more activities, such as yoga, Pilates, or circuit training. Take advantage of it: performing core-strengthening and flexibility exercises on a regular basis can help you improve your form and general efficiency while also lowering your chance of injury. At least twice a week, aim to include 30 minutes or more of core exercises (covering abs, back, glutes, and shoulders) and a yoga session in your program (on rest or cross-training days). If you’re short on time (or are training for a 10K), the greatest thing you can do is squeeze in a few planks (and their variants) whenever you can.
Cross-Training and Recovery Days
Including a different type of aerobic activity in your training program will not only keep things fresh and entertaining, but it will also allow your leg muscles to recuperate. Once a week, a 30–40 minute swim is a wonderful method to keep your cardiovascular fitness up: it’s a low-impact activity that also promotes recovery and prevents injury. Once a week, a 30-minute Pilates or yoga session is a fantastic type of cross-training in preparation for your first 10K, giving your body a nice stretch and building core strength. To help break up your running week, our best suggestion is to pick a kind of cross-training that you like.
Three to four training sessions per week are sufficient to prepare for a 10K. Make sure to include rest days in between these workouts to allow your muscles to heal and recover. Your runs will begin to taper in the final three weeks of training before a race. Don’t be tempted to over-train by running large miles to prepare for your event at this period. You’ll be ready for your race if you stick to the plan — believe me.
How fit do you need to be to run 10K?
If you’ve completed your local 5k a few times, you might be considering moving up to the 10k. It’s natural for some people to feel a little nervous about taking the next running step, but if you’re afraid about increasing your distance, you shouldn’t be.
Are You Ready For 10K Run?
I’m confident that if you can complete a 5k, you’ll be able to complete a 10k. All you have to do now is keep your speed and don’t be intimidated by the distance. Your initial aim should be to finish the 10k, not to see how fast you can run it. You will be able to complete a 10k if you can walk/run a 5k in less than 40 minutes. To begin ‘racing’ a 10k, you should be able to run 35 minutes nonstop and quite comfortably.
Do You Have To Be Fit To Run A 10K?
Set a goal for yourself to run a 10k in 6–8 weeks, since this will give you enough time to increase your training runs and improve your 5k fitness. Depending on how much running you do, you should begin to increase the length and/or distance of your runs in preparation for the 10k. Set a goal for yourself to run a 10k in 6–8 weeks, since this will give you enough time to increase your training runs and improve your 5k fitness. After around four weeks of increasing your mileage, it would be a good idea to run a 10k in training, not for a race, but just to get a feel for the distance.
Doing two loops on a frequently ran 5k course is an excellent method to achieve this. That way, you may run with others for at least 5k before going to the next level of completing the 10k. It’s important to remember that this is a 10k training run, not a 5k race! Don’t rush through the first half since you need to get a positive experience from just running the distance. Begin slowly and steadily, gradually increasing your speed as you progress through the run. If you’re still feeling good and powerful after 7k, you might be able to go a bit harder.
If you don’t feel ready to take on the 10k distance, stay to the 5k for a little longer and concentrate on running those events faster. You can explore increasing your distance if you’ve gotten your time down to something you’re pleased with. A 10k will seem easier at a slower pace for double the distance if you can run a 5k quicker.
Don’t Worry and Go with the Flow
Don’t be concerned about the quantity of training required. Remember that you don’t need to double your 5k training in order to run a 10k, since this would result in overtraining and exhaustion. All you have to do now is gradually increase your runs and focus on running the whole 10k distance once a week in training, which can even include the distance you run during warm-up and cool-down during a session. You must exercise caution and pay attention to your body. The 10k is one of those distances where the pace is essential, perhaps even more so than the 5k. When you start a 5k too fast, there isn’t much left to run when you become very fatigued. However, if you hit the wall before halfway in a 10k, you still have a long way to go.
If you’re still unsure about the 10k distance, a 5-mile race could be a better option (if you can find one). It’s the ideal stepping stone between a 5k and a 10k because it’s longer than a 5k and shorter than a 10k. Remember, you’ll be able to run a 10k race if you can run 10k in training, no matter how slowly.
What Is the Average 10K Time?
A 10K event, which is 6.2 miles long, is perfect for experienced runners seeking a more difficult race. After the half marathon, it’s the second most popular race, and it necessitates a fitness level that combines strength, energy, and endurance. If you’ve completed a few 5Ks and love running larger distances, the 10K may be the next logical step for you. Completing a 10K run is an achievement itself, and you should be pleased with your timing regardless. However, it’s natural to be curious about how your time compares to that of other runners as well as your past personal bests. The typical 10K time is 50 to 70 minutes, depending on your age, cardiovascular fitness, and musculoskeletal health.
Average time
A 10K race should take 50 to 70 minutes for most runners who are moderately healthy and run 15 to 30 miles each week. Advanced runners may expect to complete in 43 to 50 minutes. Exceptionally fit runners may run a mile in under seven minutes, while fewer fit runners should expect to cover a mile in ten to fourteen minutes.
Around the world
In the United Kingdom, the 10K averages are comparable to those in the United States, with men completing a 10K in approximately 53 minutes and women in around 63 minutes. Ethiopia boasts some of the fastest 10K runners in the world, both in the men’s and women’s competitions. Kenyan males are among the quickest, while Chinese women are among the fastest.
Other factors
Average 10K timings vary according to age, gender, and fitness condition. Your musculoskeletal health is also important, so take efforts to alleviate discomfort, avoid injury, and run with good form. Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and the runner’s knee are all issues that need to be addressed.
Personal best
Stick to your training plan and steadily improve your finishing times to reach your goals. Make sure your objectives are attainable and that you are aware of your limitations. You might be able to beat the averages for your age and gender, but if your mile timings don’t allow you to, go for your personal best.
Average 10K Time by Age and Gender
When it comes to typical 10K timings, age and sex are elements to consider in addition to your fitness level and training program. The averages given by RunRepeat in 2019 may be used as a guide to estimate where you should be when you first start and what timings you should aim for.
Average 10K Time for beginners
How long should it take a beginner to run 10K? I know every beginner has this question in mind. As discussed before, the average 10K finishing time could be anywhere from 60–80mins depending on how long you’ve been training.
Average pace
To avoid overexerting yourself too quickly during a 10K race, run at a speed you can maintain. Save your strength for the last stretch of the race. Men’s average mile time in a 10K is a little under 9 minutes, while women’s average mile pace is around 10 minutes. A mile may take beginners 12 to 15 minutes to complete. A 10K may be completed in 90 minutes to 2 hours if a mile is completed every 15 to 20 minutes.
Is 10k harder than 5k?
The 10K (6.2 miles) is a difficult distance to cover. The 10K is just around 15 to 20 seconds per mile slower than the 5K race pace but is twice as long. As a result, the 10K may be a really difficult race! Fueling isn’t as important for the 10K because it’s such a small distance. Hydration, on the other hand, is critical for peak performance and should be done every mile or every other mile. The 10K is run at a lower intensity than the marathon, more in the orange/borderline red zone. The 10K is raced in the 8 to 9 area on a scale of 1 to 10.
Avoid going out too quickly in the 10K, just like you should in the 5K, and strive for reasonably even splits. Start the 10K no more than 5 to 10 seconds per mile slower than your desired pace once you’ve determined your average minute/mile pace. Gradually ramp up the pace until you’re running at target pace by mile 3 or 4, and then keep going faster than goal pace in the last mile.
Some FAQ’s about 10K Run
Will running 10km every day lose weight?
No. It’s actually excessive. If all you want to do is lose weight, running 10 kilometers is too much. Running too much has its own set of consequences. I was a marathon runner, so I know what I’m talking about. Every day, a maximum of 3 kilometers is sufficient.
However, if you’re so much dedicated to losing weight here are some tips:
- Calculate your daily calorie consumption.
- Reduce the number of calories you consume daily.
- Do a half-hour aerobic workout.
- For further physical workouts, see a gym trainer.
- Weekly weigh-ins are recommended.
Also bear in mind that monthly weight reduction should not exceed 2 kg or 500 gm each week. It may vary somewhat, but a significant variation indicates that you are attempting too hard, which will negatively influence your consistency, which is far more essential than anything else. Small, steady steps are more effective than a few big leaps toward the goal.
How many calories do you burn by running 10K?
When running a 10K, the quantity of calories you burn is mostly determined by your current body weight and the intensity of your run. The quicker you run, the more calories you burn over a certain distance. For example, a 150-pound individual running at 10 kilometers per hour will burn around 650 calories over a 10-kilometer distance, but a 160-pound person running at the same speed will burn approximately 745 calories.
Based on your body weight, running duration, and distance, you can use a calorie burn calculator to calculate the number of calories you burn while running. If you want to burn more calories throughout the 10K distance, run faster and on a more diverse terrain or steeper slope. This will raise the level of exertion in your workout and, as a result, the number of calories you burn. A variety of fitness apps are now available to help you track your daily calorie intake and burn so you can better control your weight.
Is it OK to run 10km every day?
Running 10 kilometers every day will keep you healthy, but if you want to run 10 kilometers every day, go gently and at the same pace. There will undoubtedly be some adverse effects if you run really quickly. You are the greatest doctor for your body because no one knows your body as better as you do. It is not an issue if you are in good health and between the ages of 20 and 40, but you must consume a well-balanced diet.
You will not have any problems if you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and can run 10 kilometers in 40 minutes every day. You will not have any problems if you are between the ages of 30 and 50 and run 10 kilometers in 60 minutes every day.
