Scheduling races - Question for runners

runnin_mama09

I am beginning to train for spring and summer races.  I am not great with long distances, and typically stick to 5k runs.  However, I have always wanted to run a 10K race - specifically one race that's on Memorial Day every year. 

A group of friends and I recently registered a team for the 5k race that's on 5/26 and I'm committed to it since we've already paid and I'm part of a team.  The 10k race is the following Monday, May 28. 

I'm concerned that I have never done a 10k run and want to be able to finish it.  I have months to prep still, but I'm not sure what the rule of thumb is for planning purposes since I am just getting back into running after about a year of no running. 

Can I or should I do both races?  Any information, insight or suggestions are welcome.

misskrysbaby

I think you could do both, in my opinion. You still have 3 months to train, I would suggest starting out with a 10k training plan, and naturally by that time you could run a 5k easily. Good luck!

gt7301b

Do it!!!  You know the 10K will be a PR anyway.

C.squared

I would definitely do the 10k!  Find a good 10k training plan and follow that.  I might not "race" the 5k as hard as I otherwise would, but it would be fun to do both.  Good luck!

kat.in.the.hat

train for the 10K and add on some warm up miles to the 5K to get your distance in for that week's long run

Wan-naBe

I would totally do both races, and then take a week off to recover.

IndyGirl02

Absolutely you can do both! Since the 5K is only two days before the 10K, you can treat it as your last shake-out run before the 10K. So maybe don't plan to all-out RACE the 5K.

runnin_mama09

Thank you, ladies. I will train for the 10k and run the 5k easy.