My 10k Training Plans

My running schedule during the winter is very sporadic (and often times non-existent).  The weather in Oklahoma is usually cold and super windy, and I'm too wimpy to bundle up and brave the elements.  I find the treadmill pretty boring, so I usually just opt for a different form of exercise during the winter months. 

Around this time of year, however, we start getting a few more warm days and suddenly spring feels like it's right around the corner.  This is when the running itch starts to kick back in.  But I know that if I am going to run on a regular basis, I really need to set a goal to work towards.  

In the past, I have always participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon at the end of April in one form or another.  I've done the half-marathon, a 10k in the relay a couple times, and a 12k in the relay last year.  A relay team wasn't coming together this year as naturally as in the past, and wasn't sure I wanted to put in the time to train for an entire half-marathon.  I decided to sign up for the Redbud 10k in early April, instead.  I figure I can work towards that for the next 8 weeks, and then, if a relay team does end up coming together for Memorial Marathon, I will be ready for that, too!

A 10k isn't exactly a long distance, but I can't just go out and run the whole thing without doing any training.  Since my schedule and the weather are so unpredictable, I wanted to put together a really flexible training plan that would be easy to stick to.  I figure I can always find at least one day to run during the week, and then I will do my longer run on the weekend, increasing the distance as I go.  I also plan to keep attending my boot camp class at work twice a week, so that will be good cross training. 

I ran a little over three miles yesterday, so I am right on track!