I have signed up for the ToT 10 Miler. This is my first ever running event. Any advice would be appreciated
As mentioned above, Jeff Galloway has an official training plan. Absent that, Look to run 2-3 times during the week for 30 to 60 minutes. Look for some hills or a track to practice speed work. Speed work is not mandatory, but I find that even a first timer can gain some self confidence by attempting lower level speed/hills.
Then on the weekend, or once a week if your off days are not over the weekend, run long. Start off at 2-3 miles, then add a mile a week for three weeks. On the fourth week, cut the distance in half and on the following week, add a mile to the previous long run. Patter three increases and one pull back until you longest run is in the 9-12 mile range. Make the last week a half distance week and the following week the race.
As an example, starting the week of July 12, run 2. Then the miles would be
2-3-4-2-5-6-7-3-8-9-10-5-Race
This is a very simple plan and there are many more advanced ways of building up, but for a first time runner, this is a very simple build.
The first 2-3 weeks may feel short and thats OK. Use those weeks as a recovery.
This plan does practice a periodization allowing the body recovery weeks ona 3:1 ratio.
Regardless on plan...
Use training to practice...
Hydration. Learn your personal hydration rate through weighing pre and post run. If you come in lighter, you should drink a little more per hour and if heavier, then a little less. This is practiced and investigated once long runs hit an hour or longer.
Nutrition. A 10 mile race really does not require supplemental nutrition during the race, but you may feel the need. In general, one or two fuelings may be required if you are finding yourself feeling lethargic and unable to move during the latter stages of a long run. Also, use this time to understand how to eat and drink coming into the long run. Most runners need a good 2-4 hours to digest a meal prior to a long run. Your mileage will vary.
Equipment. Shoes and shorts, right? There is a lot to learn about shoes. Get to a running store to be fitted in a pair of running shoes and then only use these shoes to run. Track the miles run in the shoes and plan on retiring them between 400 and 700 miles. Cotton clothing may feel great but consider tech wear. It pulls sweat away from the body and helps cool. It also minimizes the probability of chafing.
Hope this helps