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10 Week Beginner 10K Training Plan

Transform Yourself into a 10k Runner in 10 Weeks

Experience Level

Beginner

Number of Weeks

10

Training Plan Introduction

Want the Most Confident Start Possible?

The idea of running a 10k feels like a huge, intimidating leap. You’re starting from the beginning and want to give yourself the best possible chance of success, without feeling rushed, pressured, or risking injury.

Shorter plans can feel too aggressive, leaving you feeling like you’re constantly struggling to keep up. This can crush your confidence and make you doubt if you’re cut out for this. Your primary goal isn’t just to finish, but to build unshakable confidence for race day.

This 10-Week Beginner Plan is your ultimate confidence-builder. The extended duration is designed for the most gradual and thorough transformation, allowing you to build a deep fitness base and mental toughness. This plan ensures you don’t just finish the 10k—you own it.

This plan is engineered for you if:

  • You are starting from scratch and want the most comprehensive, gradual build-up.
  • Your primary goal is to build unshakable confidence and enjoy the entire training process.
  • You want to build the best possible running base to ensure a successful race day.

Key Features

Your Complete Toolkit for Conquering Your First 10k

When you purchase this plan, you get more than a schedule—you receive a complete toolkit engineered for success.

  • A comprehensive 10-week training schedule.
    • The longer timeframe allows for smaller, more manageable increases in training stress, maximizing adaptation and minimizing injury risk.
    • You will arrive at the start line with the supreme confidence that comes from knowing you have put in the most thorough preparation possible.
  • The ‘Why’ Behind Every Workout.
    • Each session includes a full description of its physiological purpose, so you’re not just running blindly.
    • You’ll stay far more motivated and engaged throughout the 10 weeks, transforming from someone who just follows a plan into a smarter, more knowledgeable runner.
  • Direct Email Support from Expert Coaches.
    • You can ask any questions that come up during your 10-week journey and get expert guidance.
    • You’ll train with the peace of mind that comes from knowing a professional coach has your back.

The Proof: The Power of Preparation

The power of this plan lies in its comprehensive preparation. It’s built on the principle that confidence comes from knowing you’ve done the work. Every element, from the gradual progression to the personalized pace zones delivered via TrainingPeaks , is designed by an expert coach to give you an unshakable sense of readiness on race day.

Meet Your Coach

This plan was meticulously developed by Chris Searle, a fully qualified England Athletics and British Triathlon coach with over 12 years of experience helping athletes achieve their goals. Chris’s philosophy is built on making training efficient and effective for people with busy lives, ensuring every workout has a purpose.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Is 10 weeks too long? For building deep, lasting confidence and the strongest possible fitness base with minimal injury risk, 10 weeks is the ideal timeframe for a new runner.
  • What equipment do I need? All you need are good running shoes. A GPS watch is recommended to get the most out of the workout sync feature, but it’s not required to successfully complete the plan.
  • How do I access the plan after purchase? Your purchase is made securely through the TrainingPeaks website. Once complete, the plan is automatically added to your new or existing free TrainingPeaks account, allowing you to start your training immediately.

Give Yourself the Gift of Time.

Build the deepest foundation for an incredible first 10k. Invest in your confidence, invest in your health, and cross that finish line feeling like you could do it all over again.

Start Your 10-Week Transformation – Get The Plan

Training Plan Sample(s)

Training Plan Cost

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Full Compatibility

This training plan is compatible with...

Your Coach

Chris Searle the head coach of efficient endurance

Hi, I’m Chris.

I’m a UK-based, qualified running and triathlon coach with 12 years of professional experience.

I’ve coached athletes to achieve everything from parkrun personal bests to podium finishes at national events.

My approach focuses on efficient training methods to help you reach your running goals, whether that is completing your first race or setting a new PB.

FAQ's

These plans are tailored for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced, looking to maximize their performance. If you’re unsure of which level you are, get in touch!

The only thing you need is a trainingpeaks account and the usual running kit (running shoes and adequate clothing) but to get the most out of your training plan, having the following would be ideal:

  • Compatible* smartwatch

The following items are optimal but not necessary:

  • Chest Based Heart Rate Monitor

*All common devices sync with trainingpeaks, check here to see if your device is compatible with the structured workout feature so you can follow your sessions on the go.

Training sessions are written in an optimal order for improvement, progression and recovery, but plans change and when they do you can move sessions across days and weeks with a premium training peaks account.

If you need to move things around but are not sure what is best, get in touch and I will help you out.

Most likely. Plans that have strength sessions included use weights such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and cable machines. You don’t have to do these sessions but they add another dimension to your training that running alone can not do.

Sometimes, we have to miss a session, life gets in the way. Fortunately these plans are robust and consistency and efficiency will keep you progressing. Don’t fret over a missed session and don’t try and catch up either, you will still keep moving forwards.

You can adjust the schedule or swap sessions with a premium training peaks account; email support is available for advice if you’re unsure of what to do.

Every session includes detailed instructions and the rationale behind it. Feel free to email if further clarification is needed.

Improved endurance, better race-specific fitness, and confidence on race day. Results depend on how disciplined you are to the plan- it is designed to keep you motivated.

Our guarantee ensures that you are on the right training plan for you. If you find your plan is too much, too little, too hard or too easy, get in touch and we will swap you onto a more suitable plan.

We would love to issue refunds but do not have the option for this as payment is taken by trainingpeaks.

Absolutely! Email support is available for guidance and motivation.

We only provide support for the duration of your plan and 2 weeks afterwards. If you would like coaching after your plan, get in touch!

Why choose Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Ability-based plans & email support
  • Expert Input - Designed by a qualified, experienced coach
  • Structured Progression - Detailed progression
  • Detailed Sessions - Clear explanation of how sessions support your goal
  • Training Volume - Balanced for your level
  • Race-Specific Prep - Includes taper weeks & race guides
  • Strength Training - Targeted strength sessions*
  • Cross Training** - Cross training sessions available**
  • Tech Integration - Compatible with smartwatches
  • Support & Advice - Email support from a coach
  • Plan Guarantee - Free plan swap if needed
  • Cost - $3 per week

Free Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Generic & non-specific
  • Expert Input - No professional input
  • Structured Progression - Some progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Inconsistent and limited
  • Detailed Sessions - No race-specific advice
  • Race-Specific Prep - Not included
  • Strength Training - Not Included
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - No compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No support offered
  • Plan Guarantee - No other plans
  • Cost - Free

Other Premium Training Plans

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Limited ability variations
  • Expert Input - Created by a qualified coach
  • Structured Progression - Include generic progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Suitable volume for athletes
  • Race-Specific Prep - Minimal race-day strategy
  • Strength Training - May have generic strength work
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - Occasional support, sometimes outsourced
  • Plan Guarantee - Limited or no guarantee
  • Cost - $3-5 per week

AI Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Algorithm-based, lacks nuance
  • Expert Input - Automated, no human touch
  • Structured Progression - Only if the algorithm says so
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Metrics can miscalculate workload
  • Race-Specific Prep - Lacks detailed guidance
  • Strength Training - Rarely included
  • Cross Training** - Sometimes compatible
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No human support available
  • Plan Guarantee - No guarantees
  • Cost - $10+ per week

* Strength training included on some training plans at additional cost

** Cross training is available on some specific plans

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