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10-Milers and Training by Minutes or Miles?

10-Milers and Training by Minutes or Miles?
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We’re getting back in the swing of things this spring, and I don’t know about you, but a solid 10-miler somehow always feels just right: satisfyingly long enough without major recovery needed. It’s a perfect distance for roadies to bridge over to trails, and not too much pavement for a dirt-addict to try on the road. Use an upcoming 10-mile race as a tune-up workout for your next 50K, 13.1, or full marathon, or make a fast 10-er your A-race goal later in the year. You can train specifically for the distance with minor tweaks to a standard half-marathon plan.

April 4, American River - Folsom, CA
April 4, Tenacious Ten - Seattle, CA
April 11, Pear Blossom - Medford, OR
May 16, Ridge Run 10-Miler - Stevenson, WA
May 30, Smith Rock Classic - Terrebone, OR

Find more 10 milers for summer and fall: Ten Mile Races Out West


Most of us have spent plenty of time obsessed with tracking our miles, making sure to hit those “magical” weekly quotas. There’s nothing wrong with counting miles, but as many trail runners already admit, training by time can be a welcome change with a little less compulsion. When you run for time, you avoid the pressure to hit a certain pace and distance, allowing you to execute the workout’s intended purpose. Try basing a few of your workouts each week on timed intervals for a change - the miles still count, I promise.

Minutes or Miles? Why You Should Train by Time, Not Distance


It’s almost Boston Marathon fever time, and Dave McGillivray has run it 54 years straight. He’s also directed the Boston Marathon for the last 39 years, along with a litany of other events throughout the year, while expanding his race resume to include Ironman. The 72-year-old states, “I’ll never retire. I’m just Dave. I just do my thing.

Dave McGillivray Made a Promise to His Grandfather Over 50 Years Ago. He’s Still Keeping It.


As we wrap up Women’s History Month, it’s a great time to both reflect on how far women’s sports have come and celebrate our growing community of accomplished athletes. New York Road Runners chronicles noteworthy events in women’s running, including Katherine Switzer’s notorious entry in the 1967 Boston Marathon. Today, most studies show female runners accounting for about half of all race participants. Our women’s community continues to grow, evidenced by enhanced resources, increased physiology studies, and organized events.

Trail Sisters Feisty: Where Women’s Sports Meets Women’s Health Girls on the Run


Looking for training programs for Half Marathon to Ultramarathon? Check out our FREE and members-only plans.

Training Plans

Speedland x ORTLIEB: ORTLIEB creates limited edition Duffle 40L for trail runners.

Outfurther is a bold rally for the vintage, durable athlete—helping you get out farther on trails, gravel roads, and mountain passes. It’s all about building grit, boosting resilience, and extending the longevity of your adventures.

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Susan Lieto

Susan Lieto

Susan is a co-conspirator at RaceCenter and Outfurther^, a competitive ultra runner, aspiring bikepacker, yoga instructor, UESCA Ultrarunning coach, and enthusiastic drinker of all things hoppy.

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