Coaches can provide the best options for you. I’m just sharing my experience and opinions.
With 12 months you have a lot of options. If you are in the population of younger runners (let’s say under 40 years of age), I believe you can achieve your goal by just being consistent with your training. Maybe work your way up the Maintenance Plan levels 1-III, then enter a 10K Plan. Just pay attention to nutrition and health and you should be able reach your goal.
I’m at the crossroads transitioning from contender to curiosity (very few runners in my age category) and require a more structured approach. I use the goal based programs. I’m following a long range plan similar to what your are doing, I’m targeting a 10-mile race spring next year. I did the Run Faster plan followed by the Stamina Plan earlier this year. I am currently mid plan for a 5k Race, and plan to transition to a plan for my 10 miler based on lessons learned from my 5k race results.
I’m actually having a very easy time with the 5k Plan because of the preparation with the goal based plans. My philosophy is speed first, then stamina, finally race specific. I don’t know if that’s the best.
It takes time and work, but it works. Good luck.
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