On January 11, 2026, I crossed the finish line at the Valencia 10k in 36:36, shaving almost two minutes off my previous PB of 38:35 (Palermo, October 2024) and improving on my 38:44 from Athens (November 2025). It’s a result that proves the process behind the past few months of training is working.
The Preparation: Building the Base
This breakthrough is the direct outcome of the training block carried out between October and December: a winter build focused on building a solid aerobic base and aerobic power in view of the upcoming track season (800m and 1500m). When your aerobic engine reaches this level, faster interval sessions feel much more natural and manageable.
The Race and Execution
I started cautiously at around 3:50/km to avoid blowing up early, but quickly latched onto a pack running between 3:30 and 3:38/km. Despite the aggressive pace, my running felt smooth and controlled throughout.
I hit the 5k mark in 18:28. After managing a slight patch of fatigue between km 7 and 8, I picked up the pace over the final 1.5 km, pushing through the 10th km in 3:28 and finishing with a 3:13/km final kick.
10km Valencia 36:35 PB
domenica 11 gen, 10:35
10.12km
3:36/km
36:29
Technical Analysis: Working in Threshold
The heart rate distribution highlights strong physiological efficiency:
Z4 (Threshold - 169-183 bpm): 73.4% (26:47 min)
Z3 (Tempo - 154-168 bpm): 17.5% (6:24 min)
Z2 (Endurance - 124-153 bpm): 5.8% (2:08 min)
Z1 / Z5: < 3%
Holding Z4 for over 73% of the race without early lactic accumulation confirms the quality of the winter aerobic base. My physical condition right after crossing the line was surprisingly good, allowing for a short cool-down jog immediately after.
Final Thoughts
This result comes down to consistency, discipline, and the coaching program built with my father, Francesco Guglielmino.
This 36:36 is a stepping stone - a level up - heading into the rest of the season.
