8K Training

The 8K serves as an “in-between” distance, almost an “offbeat” distance since it is not run that often. Five miles in length, the 8K occupies a spot somewhere between the more popular 5K and 10K distances. Yet if there is a big road race 8K in your town, you’re going to run it. SEE ALL 8K PROGRAMS This is certainly true in Chicago, where, early in spring, the Shamrock Shuffle opens the racing season that ends in the fall with the Chicago Marathon. Those two events define running in Chicago. Chicago has always been an Irish city. Having come from those same roots (my mother was an O’Leary), I naturally am partial to a race with “shamrock” in its title. You can’t always depend on warm spring weather in Chicago, but with more than 20,000 finishers each year, the Shuffle is the largest 8K race in the United States, well ahead of popular races at that distance in San Diego, Buffalo, Milwaukee and Portland. If you live in one of those cities–or in another city that offers an 8K race–here is a training program for you. Regardless of your skill level–whether novice, intermediate or advanced–this 8-week program will get you to the finish line.

An often overlooked distance, 8Ks remain popular among cross-country runners, particularly in college programs. Hal has you covered, offering three levels for your next 8K.

• Advanced

  This plan is designed for Advanced runners training for an 8K race. Advanced runners are individuals who compete regularly in races up to 8K or beyond and who want to improve their performances. You should be capable of running 30 to 60 minutes a day, five to seven days a week and have a basic understanding of how to do speedwork. If that sounds like too much training, and this is your first 8K race, you might be more comfortable using one of the programs designed for Novice or Intermediate runners.

• Intermediate

  This training plan is designed for Intermediate runners readying themselves for an 8K race, and like all Hal's intermediate training programs, it is for individuals who want to improve their performances. What defines an Intermediate runner? You should be running five to six times a week, averaging 15-25 miles weekly training. You probably also should have run a half dozen or more races at distances 5K and above, maybe even a marathon or two. With that as background, you now need a somewhat more sophisticated schedule so as to improve.

• Novice

  This program is designed for Novice runners, mostly first-timers, training for an 8K race. If you are an experienced runner, you might want to examine the Intermediate or Advanced 8K programs. When you sign up, you will begin receive daily email messages telling you what to run, training tips, and access to TrainingPeaks interactive features to track your progress.