Training for 10-mile race? (Read 1249 times)

I’m a running newbie (at least as an adult, though I ran in high school), and a first-time poster though I’ve been reading the site for months. Anyway, I’ve done about five 5ks and an 8k this year. The next thing I would like to try is a big 10-miler in my city in May 09. My questions: First, is this a realistic goal for me? My log isn’t on this site yet (I know, I know… I am hoping to move it over soon). In the meantime, the short version is that I started with run/walk in May, then “graduated” to all running. I now do about 12 miles per week on average. Not much, I know, and certainly not enough to run a 10-miler yet, but I wanted to build my miles gradually to avoid injury. So, how many mpw would you say is necessary to prepare to run a 10 miler, and could I reasonably build to that by May ’09? My goal would be more about running well and finishing the race, less about achieving a particular time since I have no experience at this distance whatsoever. Also, what sort of long run would you recommend to eventually reach in training for a 10 miler? Would I want to aim just to work my way up to 10 miles? Or is it better to train past the race distance, say, up to 12 miles for a long run? I have mostly run 5ks and generally aim to do at least one run per week longer than that race distance, say, 5 miles. But I’m not sure if this is the right approach for a newbie attempt at a 10 miler. Thanks for any ideas you have. I have already learned a lot—and also been entertained—by reading your posts on this great site.

I agree, you have plenty of time to build slowly and probably get comfortable running in the 8-10 mile range. Don't forget to taper a week or two before the race by cutting your mileage. Just think of it this way, the 10 miler is only twice the 8K, and you have six months to train for that. Don't let the distance intimidate you, be patient and you'll be fine. Now if only I would heed my own advice.

Broad Street is awesome. last year I cajoled 3 non-runner friends into doing it and they were about where you are now. they followed one of the generic trainign plans at halhigdon.com go check out the novice plan and see if you can find the time to train for it. but it a shot it's a great race and a lot fun

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the advice. And yup, you figured it out... it is indeed the Broad St Run I have in mind... my employer actually sponsors it and this spring some of my coworkers were running it and I thought, hmm, maybe that could be me.... Hopefully next year it will be! Thanks, I will check out the Higdon plan.