The Perfect 10

The 10K race is often in the shadow of it’s more illustrious cousins, the half marathon and the marathon. It may not have the kudos of the longer distances but don’t be fooled into thinking it is in some way a softer option. The 10K demands both speed and endurance, with races being highly competitive.

The 10K has a lot going for it. Here are 10 reasons you might want to consider making them part of your racing program.

1. Short Recovery Time

If you run a 10K at the weekend, then you’ll have less worries about whether you’ll still be walking with stiff legs, at work, come Monday.

2. Less Interruption to Training

If you are running a marathon or a half marathon there is the inevitable recovery time, as well as the need to taper pre-event. This disruption to training is unavoidable but with the 10K it is greatly reduced, and as we all know, when it comes to training……consistency is the key.

3. No Refuelling Required

For most people the 10K can be completed without the need to refuel. Typically, glycogen stores will last for somewhere between 60 to 90mins. Not having the hassle of drinks and gels is a real bonus for some.

4. Digestion Issues

Without the need to refuel, your chances of stomach pains, abdominal cramping or diarrhoea are greatly reduced.

5. Less Chance of Injury

The more kilometres you run, the greater the chances of getting an injury or developing a repetitive strain.

6. Avoiding Post Race Infections

Its surprisingly common for runners to pick up an infection in the days following a race. The demands that the longer distances place on your energy levels, can leave your immune system compromised for several days post-race. However, shorter distances, like the 10K, have been shown to actually stimulate your immune system, meaning that the only thing you should pick up post-race, is your medal.

7. Less Pressure

You may only run a couple of marathons in a season, which means it is very easy to pile a lot of unnecessary pressure on yourself. It can feel like this is your one and only chance to achieve your goals…………and then the weather recks everything. Racing the shorter distances means you can be more relaxed. You have far less to lose. Afterall, you can easily race again next month.

8. Less Financial Outlay

The longer distances at events can be pretty expensive, which is ok, as long as everything goes according to plan. However, sometimes it doesn’t. The event could be postponed or cancelled, or you might get injured or be ill.

9. Fire the Fast Twitch Muscles

10K and shorter distances are excellent ways to engage the fast twitch muscles which are often under employed in the longer distance.

10. Heart

The higher rate of respiration required to run a 10K race will strengthen your heart and improve your lung function. A good reason on it’s own, and one that should make the 10K an attractive option to the more mature runners. This is not just a distance for the young speed machines.

Best of all, the 10K distance is fun. It gives you plenty of health benefits with far less risk of injury or illness. Also, there’s the added bonus that you’ll be done and dusted and still have time to do other stuff. (if you want to)