THE start of the Babcock 10K Race Series is now little more than four months away – and with the help of the organisers, and the winner of the ladies’ race in Dumbarton last year, we’re once again presenting a unique training programme to help you get in shape in plenty of time for the event.

Katie White of Garscube Harriers, who won all three Babcock 10k events last year, has put together three separate 10-week training programmes – for beginners, intermediate runners and advanced competitors – for those who have entered, or are planning to enter, the series of three races.

The 2019 series begins in Helensburgh on Thursday, May 9, with race two taking place in Dumbarton on Thursday, May 16, and the concluding race – the Shettleston 10K – in Glasgow on Sunday, May 26.

Katie said: “I never really planned to take up running and it certainly wasn’t something that I thought I would be any good at.

“In 2011 I entered my local village 10K and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, so I started doing a bit of running as an alternative to going to the gym.

“A couple of months later I ran another 10K and surprised myself, and everyone else, by winning it.

“Although I enjoy competing, I think one of the best things is that anyone can do it anywhere. I have made some great friends through running and would encourage anyone to give it a go.”

Turning to her training plans, Katie says 10K is the ideal distance for anyone to tackle, regardless of your running experience.

“With a little bit of training anyone should be capable of completing it,” she continued, “and with a bit more experience it is possible to make big improvements in your time.

“I am not a coach, but based on my own experience I have put together three training programmes as a guide for preparing to take part in a 10K race.

“The aim of all three training programmes is to gradually increase your fitness so that you are able to run further, under the beginners’ programme, or faster.

“The beginners’ programme is designed for people who don’t currently run regularly or have never completed a 10K race before.

“The intermediate plan is suitable for people who can already run 10K, and the advanced programme is for people who run regularly and want to improve their personal best.”

If you haven’t yet entered the series, and are unsure whether to do so, Katie’s programme gives even the least experienced runner plenty of time to get up to speed to complete the distance.

Entries for all three races are still open at entrycentral.com – all finishers will receive a unique commemorative medal at each race and a goody bag containing different running accessories at each event.

All series entrants will receive a special Babcock 10k Series t-shirt, and finishers at Dumbarton will also be presented with a special club centenary shirt.

The programme starts next week: don’t miss it!