I recently achieved my goal of running a sub 45min 10k and I used a running plan from Ben Parkes to help me reach this goal. If you’re thinking about buying one of his training plans, here’s what to expect.

Ben Parkes’ Running plan overview

If you go on Ben Parkes website you can find many running plans from 5k all the way to the ultra marathon distance. There are different plans for every distance based on your goal time. For instance, with my goal being to run a sub 45 min 10k, I bought the Level 3 10k plan (40-50min 10k).

Running plan VS running coaching

The plan you buy is “generic” and not created especially for you. It’s also not a running coaching package, there is no weekly check in with your coach and no option to make changes to the plan. Although the plan was the best option for me, some people might need the extra support that running coaching offers.

What do you get exactly?

Once you’ve paid, you immediately receive an email with the link to download your plan in PDF format. Most of the 10k plans are 10 week long.

The plan is designed to make you progress and increase your mileage. The last week is much lighter as it’s your taper week before the race. It is therefore ideal to start this plan 10 weeks aheads of your planned race or time trial.

There are 5 runs most weeks, 4 runs on a few lighter weeks. Most of them are easy runs, but there’s also one interval session and one long run every week. There are a few tempo runs throughout the plan as well.

The PDF has both the plan in miles and in kilometers.

How to work out your pace for each type of run?

You’ll find a very handy table in the PDF which indicates the pace range you should aim for, for each type fo run, based on your goal time.

How much does it cost?

Each plan costs only £6, which is extremely affordable. Yes, it’s not personalised but it can really help you become a better runner without investing too much.

The positives

Here’s what I liked the most about following this running plan:

Having a structure. It was the first time I was actually training for a running goal and I loved having a structure to follow. Being a fairly inexperienced runner, it was great to have an idea of the mileage I should be aiming for and the different interval sessions I could do.

Accountability. Even though I didn’t have a coach to report to, I really wanted to tick every run off, every week and it really made me stay super consistent.

Progress. I have made a whole lot of progress in just a few weeks. Before starting this plan, I had never run any longer than 10k. This plan made me do long runs every weekend, which really developed my endurance. I also saw improvements in my speed with the different types of interval sessions and it was awesome to track my progress week on week.

Whilst I have now moved on and have a running coach, I believe that this plan was a great starting point for me, giving me guidance, structure and helping build my confidence.

Any negatives?

I can only speak from my personal point of view, these might not be negatives for you.

The easy pace. It was too easy for me, especially for 5-8k runs. It was not very enjoyable to make myself stick to the prescribed easy pace range, so I decided to just go with how I felt on easy runs, even if it meant running faster than what the plan said.

Some long runs. Having never done long runs (no longer than 10k) before, some long runs were not quite for my level yet. The longest run in this plan was 23k, which I wasn’t ready for. I cut some of the longest runs short, and my longest run in this plan was 18k.

Who is this plan for?

I believe you could benefit from following this type of plan if:

• You’re already in a fitness routine and are used to keeping yourself motivated.

• You have a running goal in mind or a race coming up and want a structured training plan.

• You’re happy to follow a plan on your own any don’t need any external accountability.

Now it’s only £6 so what have you got to lose?

I hope this review has helped you decide whether or not this type of running plan is the right option for you at this stage of your running journey!

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