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8 Week Beginner 10K Training Plan with Strength Training

Become a Runner: The Complete Guide to Your First 10k

Experience Level

Beginner

Number of Weeks

8

Training Plan Introduction

Ready to Build a Foundation for the Future?

You don’t just want to run a 10k; you want to become a runner. You see a future of races and new goals, and you know that requires building a strong foundation from the start to avoid the nagging injuries that sideline so many.

Simply logging miles without building strength is a recipe for future problems. Weak hips, a weak core, and muscle imbalances can lead to poor form and recurring injuries, stopping your running journey before it truly begins.

This 8-Week Plan with Strength is your complete guide to becoming a durable, well-rounded runner. It’s a holistic program that builds your endurance while simultaneously forging a stronger, more resilient body designed for a lifetime of running.

This plan is engineered for you if:

  • You’re committed to not just running a 10k, but becoming a stronger, healthier athlete.
  • You want a holistic plan that builds endurance and durability for long-term success.
  • You have access to basic weights and want to learn how strength training supports your running.

Key Features

Your Complete Toolkit for Building a True Athlete

When you purchase this plan, you get more than a schedule—you receive a complete toolkit for building a true athlete.

  • An integrated plan combining a balanced 8-week running progression with two weekly strength sessions.
    • This synergy improves your running form, boosts efficiency, and builds the muscular durability needed to handle increased training loads.
    • You’ll not only conquer your first 10k but also establish the strength and habits needed to stay healthy and pursue your next running goal with confidence.
  • The ‘Why’ Behind Every Workout.
    • Each session, including strength, includes a full description of its purpose, so you’re not just exercising blindly.
    • You’ll stay highly motivated by understanding how every part of the plan makes you a stronger, more capable runner.
  • Time-Efficient Structure.
    • The plan is designed to fit into a busy life, with shorter workouts during the week and a longer run on the weekend.
    • You can achieve your ambitious goal without sacrificing your family, work, and social life.

The Proof: A Philosophy of Strength

This plan embodies our core belief: to create complete athletes, not just runners. The success of this approach is seen in runners who not only finish their race but do so feeling strong, empowered, and ready for their next challenge. You are investing in a foundation of true athletic durability, guided by an expert coach.

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. Chris’s philosophy is built on creating complete, durable athletes who can enjoy their sport for a lifetime.

This Isn’t Just About One Race. It’s About Your Future.

Start your running journey the right way. Build the foundation that will carry you across this finish line and many more to come.

Start Your Transformation – Get The Plan Now

Training Plan Sample(s)

Training Plan Cost

Training plans are processed in USD $. Conversions are estimates.

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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