What better way to start a new year than with a new training plan. There are 3 sections to this plan. The first is to focus on the Chichester 10k whilst still doing some long runs.

What I’ve tried to do is give you 10k sessions on a Thursday as I know Lou is off on these days and I thought perhaps you two could team up and do them together.

Chichester would be a good opportunity to have a crack at your 10k PB. Depending on my fitness levels I might even be able to pace you guys, just depends on my leg and whether I can run at anything quicker than “easy pace”.

Once we tick off Chichester the focus turns to building your endurance, as well as a couple of big half marathon sessions to prepare for the HHM. Again I’ll try and give Lou the same sessions so you can train together.

Then beyond that, it’s very much ultra focused with some longer runs and back to back runs.

Just be wary as attention switches to the Ultra, your endurance will improve, but your speed may drop a touch. So don’t be disheartened if that does happen, you can soon get that back when switching to the shorter distances again.

I found this at the back end of 2024 when I did my first ultra. My 5k time dropped by about 60 seconds but have since had a few PBs, so it’s nothing to worry about. I just wanted to alert you now so you are prepared if it does happen and you don’t suddenly feel like you are going backwards.

We will still do a weekly speed session so chances are your 5k time will stay around the same time it is now.

If you do want to add anymore races in, then just let me know.

In terms of the data, the average number of runs actually drops from 3.67 to 3.44 per week, but that’s because now we will be doing some long runs which are worth more points.

Your training points have increased from 106 – 113 per week which should ensure you continue to make progress.