Intermediate Training Plan (Break 24 Minutes)

Duration: 6 Weeks

Start on 13th June for GT5K Cork

Start on 26th September for GT5K Dublin

A summary of each week of the training plan will be posted on the GT5K Facebook Page as a reminder.

Intermediate Training Plan: Break 24 Minutes

This training plan is for the 5k runner aiming to break 24 minutes. The focus is on building speed endurance. You will need a moderate level of base level fitness for this training plan.

Advice before starting:

Any session that includes fast running should also include a 10-minute warm up with dynamic stretching and a 10 minute cool down with static stretching.

The sessions don't have to be done on the days suggested - they should fit in and around the rest of your life but try to keep to the formula of having an easy day or a day of rest after the faster sessions. Recovery is a very important part of training. Likewise, if you are feeling tired on a day where a fast session is scheduled, save it for another day and have a day off or an easy run. It is important to listen to your body. It will tell you when you need recovery. An elevated resting heart rate is also an indication that you need to rest as there is a possibility that you are fighting  off a bug or virus. Don't run if you are ill or run down. You shouldn't try to make up for lost time either. If you have to miss sessions it is probably best to get back onto the schedule where you left off and change your target time.

 

List of abbreviations
R Rest day
E Easy pace
T Threshold pace (approx. half marathon race pace)
F Faster than race pace. Recoveries in repetitions should be for the same amount of time as the previous effort.

 

Week 1:

Day Exercise
Monday 15 mins E with 4 X 20 secs fast within the run or at the end of the run. Allow at least 2 mins of easy running between each effort.
Tuesday 4 X 4 mins F
Wednesday R
Thursday 15 mins fartlek with several 30 sec bursts.
Friday R
Saturday 8 x 30 secs F
Sunday 20 mins

 

Week 2:

Day Exercise
Monday 20 mins E with 4 X 20 secs fast within the run or at the end of the run. Allow at least 2 mins of easy running between each effort.
Tuesday 4 X 4 mins F
Wednesday R
Thursday 20 mins fartlek with several 30 sec bursts.
Friday R
Saturday 8 x 30 secs F
Sunday 25 mins

 

Week 3:

Day Exercise
Monday 25 mins E with 4 X 20 secs fast within the run or at the end of the run. Allow at least 2 mins of easy running between each effort.
Tuesday 4 X 4 mins F
Wednesday R
Thursday 30 mins fartlek with several 30 sec bursts.
Friday R
Saturday 8 x 30 secs F
Sunday 30 mins

 

Week 4:

Day Exercise
Monday 30 mins E with 4 X 20 secs fast within the run or at the end of the run. Allow at least 2 mins of easy running between each effort.
Tuesday 4 X 4 mins F
Wednesday R
Thursday 40 mins fartlek with several 30 sec bursts.
Friday R
Saturday 8 x 30 secs F
Sunday 30 mins

 

Week 5:

Day Exercise
Monday 40 mins E with 4 X 20 secs fast within the run or at the end of the run. Allow at least 2 mins of easy running between each effort.
Tuesday 4 X 4 mins F
Wednesday R
Thursday 40 mins fartlek with several 30 sec bursts.
Friday R
Saturday 8 x 60 secs F
Sunday 40 mins

 

Week 6:

Day Exercise
Monday 40 mins E with 4 X 20 secs fast within the run or at the end of the run. Allow at least 2 mins of easy running between each effort.
Tuesday 4 X 4 mins F
Wednesday R
Thursday 45 mins fartlek with several 30 sec bursts.
Friday R
Saturday 8 x 60 secs F
Sunday 40 mins

 

Register here:

GRANT THORNTON GT5K 2023

For more advice and event information please visit: facebook.com/grantthorntoncorporateteamchallenge/

This year’s #GT5K supports Children In Hospital Ireland. Find out how you can take part.

Grant Thornton GT5K