15k training plan?

[Nate Page]

I'm looking to train for a 15k that is on Labor Day.  Since the 15k isn't really a popular event, there is a dearth of training plans for the distance.  Hal Higdeon has a 15k training plan but it looks pretty light on mileage (http://www.halhigdon.com/15Ktraining/15Kadvsch.htm) and my other training books (competitive runner's handbook and pfitz) seem to think that  1/2 marathon training is the best for the distance.  I'm not how sure I agree with that (but I'm no expert) since the 1/2 is quite a bit longer.

I just came off  trail marathon training so I have a decent base built and I just ran a 22:00 3.5m race (19:15ish 5k equiv).  I'm looking to run sub 60 for the 15k, hopefully approaching 57 minutes.  Am I best to follow a 1/2 training plan (max out about 50mpw) and shorten and speed up the speed workouts and maybe cut back the long runs a little or take a 10k plan and add some mileage to it?

Thanks
Nate

[Jake Krong]

I would say a 15K is more of a "strength" race, so using the half-marathon training plan as a foundation and then tweaking it a little bit would be my advice. Maybe make the workouts a little shorter and faster (15K goal pace instead of 1/2 goal pace). Running a couple 5K/10K races in August to sharpen up wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

[Joe Furse]

I'd second that.  Either train for a half with a little more fast stuff, or train for a 10k with more mileage.  If you're ready for a half you'll do just fine in a 15k.

[Nate Page]

Cool.  Thanks for the suggestions!  I went through and kinda wrote up a rough plan from 1/2 training with some shorter intervals.  I also like using 5k/10k races as fun speed work, I'll be sure to mix some of that in.  We'll see what happens in 12 weeks