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8 Week Intermediate 5K Training Plan

Experience Level

Intermediate

Number of Weeks

8

Training Plan Introduction

This 8-week plan is designed for intermediate runners aiming to smash their 5K time.

The plan is divided into two training blocks, with a focus on lactate threshold improvement in the first block, and VO2 max and race pace in the second block, followed by tapering to peak for race day.

Recommended Starting Ability

  • Designed for runners who can already run continuously for an hour.

8-Week Structured Progression

This plan is divided into two blocks:

Block 1 (Weeks 1-4): Lactate Threshold and Endurance

The first block focuses on improving your lactate threshold to build speed endurance. You’ll work on sustaining faster paces for longer, laying the groundwork for the more intense speed work in the second block.

Block 2 (Weeks 5-8): VO2 Max, Race Pace, and Tapering

The second block focuses on sharpening your VO2 max and race pace, with the last two weeks dedicated to tapering and peaking for race day. The aim is to ensure you’re fresh and ready for a personal best.

Keeping You Motivated

To keep you engaged, we’ve varied the workouts and added strength sessions to build resilience, ensuring you stay motivated while maintaining continual progression. Every session is explained fully so you know how it is helping you strive towards your PB.

Integration & Support

The plan integrates with smartwatches for live tracking, and you’ll have access to a full training calendar to monitor your progress. Sessions are based on your target paces, ensuring you’re working towards your specific goals.

If you need assistance setting your target paces, feel free to leave your email when purchasing, and I’ll personally help guide you in setting them.

Additionally, you’ll have my full support via email whenever it’s needed. I’m here to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

Training Plan Sample

Key Features

Coaching Support Included

  • Every plan comes with access to my coaching support via email, so you can ask questions about your training plan, or get guidance for your event.

Structured Plan

  • Includes 3-4 targeted runs per week.
  • Follow every session live on your smartwatch

Performance Focused

  • Focuses on building endurance, improving speed, and peaking for your 5K event.
  • Ensures steady progression towards achieving your 5K personal best.

Flexibility

  • Guidance on which sessions can be swapped for group runs.
  • Helps maintain a social aspect to your training.
  • Ensures you stay on track with your goals while enjoying group runs.

Training Plan Guarantee

  • We will swap any training plan to another similar plan if you are finding it too easy or too hard. You need to leave your email when purchasing for this guarantee.

Training Plan Cost

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

Your Coach

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.

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