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runningFree · 4 weeks
10K Starter — Free Base
Four weeks of easy-base running with one quality session to start building toward your first (or next) 10K. Free sample of our 5K/10K library.
- Length
- 4 weeks
- Weekly load
- 2–4 h/wk
- Level
- beginner
Who it's for
Runners who can already jog 20–30 minutes continuously, 3× per week, and want a gentle step toward 10K.
Weekly overview
Sessions are all-day calendar events. Shift the whole block in your calendar if you start on a different Monday.
Week 1· Loading week
~3.5 h| Mon | Rest | — | rest |
| Tue | Time Trial: 20-30 min (set VDOT/LTHR) | 45 | hard |
| Wed | Easy Run | 40 | easy |
| Thu | Easy Run + Strides | 40 | easy |
| Fri | Rest | — | rest |
| Sat | Long Run | 50 | easy |
| Sun | Recovery Run | 35 | easy |
Week 2· Loading week
~3.7 h| Mon | Rest | — | rest |
| Tue | Threshold Cruise Intervals | 51 | hard |
| Wed | Easy Run | 40 | easy |
| Thu | Easy Run + Strides | 40 | easy |
| Fri | Rest | — | rest |
| Sat | Long Run | 55 | easy |
| Sun | Recovery Run | 35 | easy |
Week 3· Loading week
~3.9 h| Mon | Rest | — | rest |
| Tue | Threshold Cruise Intervals | 57 | hard |
| Wed | Easy Run | 35 | easy |
| Thu | Easy Run + Strides | 40 | easy |
| Fri | Rest | — | rest |
| Sat | Long Run | 60 | easy |
| Sun | Recovery Run | 40 | easy |
Week 4· Recovery / deload week (~55-65% load): absorb training, sleep, arrive fresh
~2.1 h · recovery| Mon | Rest | — | rest |
| Tue | Easy Run + Strides | 35 | easy |
| Wed | Easy Run | 25 | easy |
| Thu | Easy Run | 30 | easy |
| Fri | Rest | — | rest |
| Sat | Long Run | 35 | easy |
| Sun | Rest | — | rest |
How to use the calendar + tracker
- Unlock downloads with your email (form on the right).
- Open the .ics in Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook — or use File → Import.
- Open the .xlsx in Excel or Google Sheets. Log done sessions in the yellow columns; weekly charts update automatically.
- After week 4, continue with the full library plan below — or pick another sport.
FAQ
- Is this 10K Starter plan really free?
- Yes. Enter your email and download the calendar (.ics) and Excel tracker. No card required for the free starter.
- How do I add the plan to my calendar?
- Download the .ics file, then open it (or File → Import) in Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook. Sessions appear as all-day events starting Monday, Nov 2, 2026 — shift weeks as needed in your calendar app.
- What is in the Excel tracker?
- An About sheet, a Plan & Actual log with yellow columns for you to fill in, a Weekly Summary with charts, and a Zones reference. You own the file forever.
- Who wrote these workouts?
- Plans are built from established coaching methods (polarized endurance training, Daniels-style running progressions, technique-first swimming, and progressive strength templates). No certified coach personally reviews each plan — treat them as general fitness information, not medical advice.
- What happens after 4 weeks?
- Continue with the full library plan (running-5k-10k-intermediate) and 40+ others with a 7-day free trial. Full plans unlock the complete schedule, more goals, and plan switching.
Health disclaimer: EnduraSync plans are general fitness information, not medical advice. Consult a physician before starting any exercise program. Plans are checked against established coaching methods; no certified coach personally reviews each plan.