Preparing for your first 10k: training and gear

Coureurs sur route en pleine course, dossards de compétition

Have you been running regularly for a few months and can keep going for about thirty minutes without stopping? A 10 km race is the perfect goal to reach the next level and experience your first race with a bib number.

How long to prepare?

For a runner who already has a small base, generally count on 8 to 10 weeks of preparation, with 3 runs per week. The important thing is consistency, not intensity.

A typical week of training

  • Run 1 – easy jog: 30 to 45 minutes at a comfortable pace, where you can still talk.
  • Run 2 – pace work: after a warm-up, a few slightly faster intervals (for example 4 to 6 times 3 minutes), with recovery by jogging.
  • Run 3 – long run: a bit longer each week, always at a slow pace, until you exceed the 10 km equivalent in the final weeks.

The last week, reduce the volume to arrive fresh on race day.

Do not neglect recovery

It is during rest that the body progresses. Sleep enough, stay hydrated, and take care of your muscles after the most demanding sessions, for example with a massage gun.

Gear for the big day

  • Shoes you've already tested: never run a race in a new pair. For the more ambitious, our carbon plate shoes are designed for competition.
  • A race bib belt: no more pins that damage your clothes. Our race bib belt also holds your gels.
  • Breathable clothing, already worn during training, to avoid chafing.

Little tips that make a difference

Start carefully: the most common mistake is starting too fast, carried away by the atmosphere. Map out the course, arrive early, and double-check the event registration requirements (license, medical certificate, or health prevention process depending on the organization).

Ready to take the next step?

Discover our PROGRESSION selection, designed to support your training all the way to the finish line.