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A 15K and 10-Mile Training Program Guide

Endurance Athlete Roadmap
February 25, 2025
9 min read
A 15K and 10-Mile Training Program Guide

A 15K and 10-Mile Training Program Guide

Many runners set their sights on completing a 15K or 10-mile race as a significant accomplishment in their running journey. These distances bridge the gap between 10K and half marathon, offering a challenging but achievable goal.

Why Choose a 15K or 10-Miler?

  • Perfect stepping stone from 10K to half marathon
  • Manageable training volume for busy athletes
  • Less recovery time needed compared to longer races
  • Great for building speed endurance
  • Training Plan Overview

    Prerequisites

    Before starting this plan, you should be able to:

  • Run 3-4 miles comfortably
  • Run 3-4 times per week consistently
  • Have a base of at least 4 weeks of running
  • Plan Duration: 10 Weeks

    Week-by-Week Breakdown

    Weeks 1-3: Base Building

    Goal: Establish consistent running habit

    Weekly structure:

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: Easy 3 miles
  • Wednesday: Easy 3-4 miles
  • Thursday: Rest or cross-train
  • Friday: Easy 3 miles
  • Saturday: Long run 4-5 miles
  • Sunday: Rest or easy walk
  • Weeks 4-6: Building Volume

    Goal: Increase long run distance

    Weekly structure:

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: Easy 4 miles
  • Wednesday: Tempo run (1 mile easy, 2 miles tempo, 1 mile easy)
  • Thursday: Rest or cross-train
  • Friday: Easy 3-4 miles
  • Saturday: Long run 6-7 miles
  • Sunday: Rest
  • Weeks 7-9: Race Preparation

    Goal: Simulate race conditions

    Weekly structure:

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: Easy 4 miles
  • Wednesday: Speed work (6x400m with rest)
  • Thursday: Easy 3 miles
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: Long run 8-9 miles (include race pace segments)
  • Sunday: Rest or easy 2-3 miles
  • Week 10: Taper and Race

    Goal: Fresh legs for race day

    Weekly structure:

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: Easy 3 miles
  • Wednesday: Easy 2 miles + 4x strides
  • Thursday: Rest
  • Friday: Easy 2 miles
  • Saturday: Race Day! 15K/10 miles
  • Sunday: Recovery walk
  • Key Workouts Explained

    Tempo Runs

  • Comfortably hard pace
  • You can speak in short sentences
  • About 25-30 seconds slower than 5K pace
  • Long Runs

  • Conversational pace
  • Build your aerobic base
  • Practice race nutrition
  • Speed Work

  • Faster than race pace
  • Improves running economy
  • Keep these efforts controlled
  • Race Day Tips

    1. Don't start too fast - Negative split is the goal

    2. Practice your nutrition - Test everything in training

    3. Know the course - Hills, aid stations, terrain

    4. Set realistic goals - First race = finish strong

    Pacing Guide

    For a 10-mile race:

  • Conservative start: 10-15 seconds/mile slower than goal
  • Middle miles: Goal pace
  • Final 2 miles: Empty the tank
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