How to tackle your first 10K race

While training for a 10K doesn't have to take over your life the way training for a marathon can, it does require some planning, dedication, and listening to your body in order to avoid injury.

Runner's World magazine offers a crucial piece of advice: run often. Starting about eight weeks prior to your race day, run at least three times a week for 30 minutes.

You'll also need to begin adding some distance each week. Every other weekend, increase your long run by 1.5 to 2.5 kilometers, and continue adding distance until you're running 10 to 11 kilometers two weeks before the race day.

Also add additional easy run days into your schedule, to allow your body to recover from one run to the next and grow stronger, advises Active.com. Focus on running at a pace that allows you to easily talk and feels effortless.

Also try interval training: each week, dedicate a workout to running short one- to two-minute intervals at a hard effort, followed by equal easy running for the same amount of time.

The week before your race, do two 30-minute runs, recommends Runner's World. Two days before your big day, rest, and allow your legs to recharge.

Running an endurance race like the 10K is also a good opportunity to begin training your mind, which can both help you run a stronger 10K and prepare you for longer races if that is your goal.

"The number one mistake runners make on race day is to go out too fast, expend way too much energy in the first few miles and crash and burn towards the end," warns Active.com. "This lends itself to a fantastic first 5K, and a terrible finish line photo."

To help with a strong finish, cut the race in half and run the first 5K at an easy pace. For the second 5K, crank up the pace until you're at a hard effort for the last kilometer.