I suspect my regular reader has little interest in the 5k- and duathlon-plans found on this site and the duathlon training I also undertake. However I’ve added a sneaky little feature to “the” 5k plan which indicates the age graded difficulty of 30 second incremental improvements to your 5k time. I’d been meaning to do it for a while, I know it’s not rocket science but I don’t think any running calculator produces quite the same thing in one iteration.
The current plan is based mostly around what I think are properly calculated paces/speeds at varying durations and repeats. But there are also token nods to rebasing those efforts based on RPE and, to a lesser extent, HR zones.
The 5k training plan started out as a sub20 5k training plan and was later expanded and automated to a degree. Later versions may well take into account the difficulties of various courses and performances. Some first steps towards that are partly indicated in the recent table of parkrun difficulties on this site (link to: the5krunner.com)
Here is a link to “the” plan if you know anyone who wants their training structuring. It helps the blog a little and it also should help the future development of the plan. Thank you.
https://the5krunner.com/5k-training-plan-running/
Last Updated on 12 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
