Is your goal to train towards a sub 55 minute 10k? – You on the right page for the 10km program to achieve this ambition. In order to run sub 55 minutes, you will need to prepare yourself to run below 5 minutes 30 seconds per kilometer for the 10k distance.
sub 55 minute 10km Training Program
Now the reason we mention this, is that you will have to train at a pace faster than this speed on occasions. So, if your running has consisted of slow distance running, it is time for change. A time for a change of attitude and a new fresh approach towards your training.
What we are looking at to start with, is being able to run 5Km’s in 5min 20sec per kilometer. This will give you an overall 5K time of 26:40. Added into your training will be sessions at this speed as well.
Your components now consist of running at 10K pace, running at 5K pace and then add to this a long run of 1Hr 45min and you are ready to progress towards your objective.
Now, the secret to your training should be to balance your training with your lifestyle. Sleep plays a very important role in this 10k training program, so do plan your recovery accordingly. Your running must never become too much for you. You must always be able to do the sessions asked of you, if you miss a training session you can’t make it up. There is no going back to make up for what you have missed. Doing this is what normally leads to injuries.
Other 10k Training Programs available:
- sub 31 min 10k training program
- sub 33 min 10k Training Program
- sub 35 min 10k Training Program
- sub 40 min 10k Training Program
- sub 45 min 10k Training Program
- sub 50 min 10k Training Program
- sub 55 min 10k Training Program
- sub 60 min 10k Training Program
10km Program Tips
Forums for our 10k Training Programs – Feedback and Advice
Training explanations and must do’s below schedule
sub 55 minute 10K – 10k Training Program
| Training Program towards a sub 45 minute 10K | |
|---|---|
| Day | Session |
| 01 | 60 to 70min easy distance |
| 02 | 30min easy run |
| 03 | start with 3x2k R90-2min 10min 50 (5.25 per k) T |
| 04 | Rest |
| 05 | longest run – ‘time on feet’ up to 1Hr 45min |
| 06 | easy day of 30min running |
| 07 | easy day of 30min running |
| 08 | start with 5x1k R60 – 90 5min 15 to 5min 20 L |
| 09 | easy day of 30min running |
| 10 | easy day of 30min running |
| 11 | Rest |
| 12 | 5K paced run – aim sub 27:30 5k |
| 13 | 10k easy run |
| 14 | easy day of 30min running |
| 15 | start with 3 x 5min @ 10k pace with 1min easy F |
| 16 | easy day of 30min running |
| 17 | easy day of 30min running |
| 18 | Rest |
| 19 | Race day up to 15K |
| * | easy recovery after race. 20 – 30min |
| ** | 2nd easy day after race. 30min |
| *** | final easy run after race. 30min |
Training explanations and must do’s :
T stands for 10K pace development L stands for 5K pace development R = Rest F is for Fartlek
Easy running is important for recovery and preparation before a harder day. Easy is at a pace where you are able to talk [“talk-test”] All quality sessions must be preceded with a warm up and stretching, and it is recommended that you warm down as well.
This is a 3 week cycle and after every 3 weeks you are able to run a race, up to 15K. It is not recommended that you use this program to race above 15k. If you have raced 21k’s before continue to do so, but do not look to this program to achieve great results, as your long runs in this program are not sufficient for a ‘great’ effort over 21K. After your race day, it is imperative that you use the next 3 days as recovery.
The 5K paced run, you should not run faster than 27mins on these days. If you want to run a hard 5K then you must do so on the race day. Adhere to this advice for success with the program.
After 2-3 months on this program, it is recommended that you take a break from this schedule. The break should be for 2-3 weeks and during this time you should take a break from running for 3-4 days and then come back to running by building up to distance runs without any quality sessions
[ The Off Training Period followed by The Build Up Period ]
Finally, this program is not recommended for a ‘beginner’ who has not got a background of running. It is recommended that you have a reasonable amount of ‘running’ without injury before attempting this program. However, you can follow our beginner runner advice which can set you onto the path towards training for sub 55 minute 10k
Further data has been added to the Training section about fartlek, ‘build-ups‘ and methods.
Author: Gavin Doyle
Side notes: Q: How long should a 10K training program be? A: From my 40+ years of coaching experience I have always advised the athlete not to kill their natural ability. These programs are designed for athletes with a little more experience and are looking to go to the next level. If you have not run a 10k before, then use our Beginner programs. If you are totally new to running then consider reading, How to start running with 10 easy steps
page updated: October 2025
Hi TheEd, any way for me to get onto the forums?
I am starting out either with your break 55 or 50 plans in a week or two.
I have been running steady mileage for the last 3 months, alternating 2-3 hour weeks with 5-6 hour weeks, and currently do a long run of 90mins every 2nd week, but all at easy pace ~6:30-7:00/km.
I was thinking of doing the 4kTT to gauge where I am at, and setting my paces according to your instructions found on the site.
Keen to improve 🙂 Andy.
Andy, drop us an email to info @ time-to-run .com and mention which username you would like and we will manually create a user account for you. TheEd
can you explain whatnis day8nof the training schedule? cant understand the 2nd portion
5x1k R60 – 90 5min 15 to 5min 20 … 5 times 1km with 60 seconds to 90 seconds Rest in-between each 1km. The pace for 1km is 5 minutes 15 seconds to 5 minutes 20 seconds .. hope this helps .. TheEd
do you have a training program for marathon as well? i’d be interested . thank you
We will look to create a standard marathon program however I can mention I am not too keen on putting marathon programs out, as often novices look to run a marathon with little experience. TheEd
Hello – This is set for 19 days wondering how to adjust it to run 50-55min 10km race in 4 weeks?
Hi Rebecca, have you got a recent 5k time or done a 4k time-trial according to the https://www.time-to-run.com/training/10k/programtips.htm
If so, you can then do Week 1 starting with the 2k session this Thursday .. it’s quite a tough session, so be prepared .. then after the session you can then do easy running over the weekend and start Day 1 next week Tuesday .. please give me your thoughts, TheEd