10k Training - Just Follow Appropriate Steps

Too Long:

If you cannot consistently walk a very beneficial 10,000 steps a day, which equates to approximately five miles a day, then a race course that is 10 kilometers (10K) long -- about 6.2 miles long -- could be too long for you to attempt to walk. 100-meter sprinters and 400-meter sprinters know that excelling at the 100-meter distance and excelling at the 400-meter distance is extremely difficult. So, if you are a sprinter and never sprint for more than 100 to 400 meters at a time, then a 10K race could be too long for you to attempt to walk.

Too Short:

Endurance runners and walkers who regularly train for and compete in marathons, half marathons, or other endurance races often complete weekly a 10k training run or walk that is much longer than 10K. This suggests that endurance runners and walkers would be very capable of doing well in -- and enjoying -- a 10K race. But there are differences between a 10K and a marathon or half marathon that make a 10K race too short for endurance runners and walkers:

1. 10K races often start much later in the morning -- with "much" being relative -- than endurance races. And endurance racers may find these "late" starts to be frustrating and not suitable to their own daily rhythms.
2. 10K races often do not dispense finisher medals, unlike marathons, half marathons, and other endurance races. And endurance runners and walkers may miss these physical recognitions of their achievements -- tangible reminders that stimulate them to continue competing in future events.
3. 10K races end relatively quickly for endurance runners and walkers, who may feel frustrated when they spend more time getting dressed for the event, driving to and from the event, and winding down after the event than they do running or walking the race.

Just Right:

Every race distance has its own quirks, personality, and appeal. And not everyone can excel at every distance. The 10K distance is certainly not immune to these facts. If you are not a sprinter and completing a marathon, half marathon, or other endurance race does not appeal to you, then a 10K race could be just right for you. The best advice is the simplest:

1. Learn everything that you can about 10k training for and completing a 10K race.
2. Find and register for 10K races that appeal to you (for example, because of location or charitable cause).
3. Train well for it, making sure that you avoid possible injuries along the way.

By: Alwin K Smith

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Alwin Smith advises tips and info on 10k training and fitness. You can also visit at www.10ktraining.net for further consideration.