4 Mile training plan

Any suggestions for a 4 mile training plan? I can run for 30 mins on a treadmill at 8.5km/hr @ 1% incline, but I want to do a boxing day race which is 4 miles with hills. Should I just follow a 5k but add on an extra mile to the distances (or 10 minutes to the times)?

Comments

  • Just a shot in the dark, Slow-runner, but is your planned boxing day race the Vale of Aylesbury one?

    If so, it's not 4 miles (6.5km) any more. It's become 5km.
  • SS
    No it's not I'm afraid. Mine is definately 4 miles - I've driven it to check.
    SR
  • Are you doing much running outdoors or many hills ?
  • Popsider - Sorry for the long wait for a reply - I got knocked out by a coldy-flu type bug for three weeks then have been converting to running outside for the first time.

    So in answer to your question: I wasn't running outdoors or doing any hills when I posted the message, but I am now. I decided to run (run/walk)the route of the race every Sunday, walking up the hills where necessary and have two shorter, flatter runs during the week.

    I have seen a huge improvement over the last three weeks. I ran as far as I could up the hill that I was dreading and got much further up than I thought I would.

    I'm 'lucky' enough to live in a hilly town and can't really avoid them. It's amazing how much your fitness level improves compared to the treadmill.
  • Yes, hills are good. They stress your body as much as a much faster flat run, but without the injury risks due to pounding.

    Just one comment : I think you should make one of your weekly flat runs longer, not shorter, than the race distance.

  • Thanks JingleGregW, I would add in a second longer run, but as the race is on boxing day there isn't much time to go. Luckily my aim as a middle aged plodder is just to get round the course rather than to win it!

    How much to you reign back in the week before a race?

    I was planning to do the following:
    Sunday: Run the course - 4 miles, hilly
    Tuesday: Shorter run of 20 minutes, flat
    Thursday: Ditto but hilly
    Saturday: Cross train in the gym
    Monday: Race day

    What do you think, too much or too little?

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