So Battle 10K is some 23 weeks away, which in my opinion is just a bit too long for a training plan as it can impact motivation if you feel the race is a long way off.

So we have an 11 week plan, followed by a week off, then an additional 12 weeks to focus on Battle.

What I wanted to do was introduce a 2nd S&C session. For me that will bring you more gains than additional running right now. Plus I think it’s also going to help you get stronger and set you up for the next 10-15 years. If you can create that good habit with your S&C now, it could be huge long term.

So to account for that I’ve reduced the running ever so slightly in terms of training load (dropping from 780 – 750). I don’t think this will have a negative effect though as we are not so focused on endurance, now the 10k is the goal.

Then once you feel that training load is maintainable alongside the 2 strength sessions we can then nudge it up for the 12 weeks leading up to Battle.

I’ve put a few races in this plan, entirely up to you if you want to do them. Hastings 5 Miler is an obvious one, simply because so many of the team will be there.

Seaford 10k is a flat race which Jax and I are hoping to run and I just thought it might be an opportunity just to see where your level is. So a no pressure race, to see what time we need to make up for Battle. That would help me and allow me to make any changes if need be, depending on the outcome there. But again, entirely up to you, it’s always possible to do a 10k time trial in training if you prefer.

I guess not much else to add. I feel like this a smart step in your progression and will allow you to build a really good fitness foundation long term which will reduce that risk of injury. So if later in the year  you will have that strength to increase the training load, if you wanted to.