Running can be a great form of exercise and stress relief, but it often requires a plan in order to see improvements and avoid injuries. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your running to the next level, these comprehensive running plans can help you reach your goals and push past your limits.
Are you thinking of hitting a new 5k goal?
The 5K is often a new runner's first foray into endurance racing. It may be the shortest distance plan we offer but don't be mistaken, it is far from a sprint. The sessions covered over the 8-week training plans will focus on the same fundamentals as our other distances; speedwork, tempo runs and long slow runs. You'll notice that your long run day will often cover distances further than your planned race distance. Use this as an opportunity to put mileage in the legs. Train your legs to run 8km and they'll be thanking you on race day!
You might have just caught the running bug and just completed a couch to 5K program. If so, use our sub-30 plan to further increase your endurance and speed. Want to top the ladder down at the local Park Run? Check out the sub-18 or sub-20 to really feel the burn. See you at the finish line.
Completed a 5km and trying to decide what is next? Try a 10km
The 10K is a great race distance to train for. It’s a perfect mix of speed and endurance, and crucially you can fit it easily around work, or the kids and you don’t have to commit an entire Sunday morning to get through your long run. Just as in our 5K plans, you will often find yourself running further than race distance. Embrace this and remember to take it slow, just train you mind and body to run beyond 10k at your chosen pace so you can leave it all out on the course come race day.
For your first 10km try our sub 1 hour 10 minute plan.
Ready to push your 10km time? Try our sub 40 minute 10km plan
Ready to step up and try your first half marathon? This plan is perfect to help build everything you need.
A bit of a personal one from the 2 of us here. The Half-Marathon was the first long-distance race either of us attempted. Coming out of school as pretty accomplished track athletes, I guess we naively believed that qualified us to comfortably run the 21.1km. Safe to say, neither of us trained properly and it was although we both came home with finishers medals, it was not pretty and we couldn’t walk for a week.
The lesson here is a simple one. Find a good training plan and stick to it. Everything matters here. Getting in those long runs are key to prepare for the rigours of going the distance, and the speed/tempo sessions will build up your cardio-vascular endurance. Put all these pieces together and you’ll have no problems finishing, and finishing comfortably.
Check out our half marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes plan
Ready to push you time? Take a look at our sub 2 hour half marathon plan or our half marathon in 1 hours 45 minutes plan
Want to try run your first marathon or hit a target goal?
Global race data suggests that only 0.17% of people alive today have finished a marathon distance. If this is the kind of exclusive club you want to be part of, then fire up one of our 16-week training schedules. Any attempt to cover this distance requires commitment, dedication and both mental and physical endurance and determination, and we reflect this with the training. These plans aren’t designed to be easy. (The sub-4 will see you cover over 1,000km) They are designed to condition your body to be able to go longer and quicker, all while expending as little energy as possible.
Put everything you’ve learnt in your running journey together here. Build strength in the quicker runs, push yourself mentally on the weekend long runs, and make sure to take your recovery seriously to avoid injury.
Sometimes the first weeks of training can feel the hardest, especially if you’ve had some time off, but 8 weeks in, you’ll be looking forward to your 3 hour weekend runs, we promise.
For a first marathon, see our sub 5 hour marathon plan or aim for the coveted sub 4 hour marathon plan
