Nicole

Running a 5K is an excellent goal for new runners. You'll get lots of motivation, as well as enjoyment, from participating in a race, and 5K (3.1 miles) is the perfect distance for first-timers. Even if you're a couch potato, you can be ready for a 5K in a couple of months.
Below is an eight-week 5K training schedule to help get you to the finish line. It assumes that you can already run atleast a mile. If you've never run before, follow this step-by-step learn to run plan: 4 Weeks to Run a Mile. If you can only run for 5 minutes at a time, you may want to try this Run/Walk 5K Training Schedule. If those 5K programs don't seem challenging enough for your running level, try this advanced beginner 5K training schedule.
If you'd like to receive weekly emails to go along with this 5Ktraining program, you can sign up here: Beginner 5K Training E-Course
You may also want to check out this Beginners' Guide to Running for beginner runner tips and answer to frequently-asked questions.
Notes about the 5K training schedule:
Mondays and Fridays: Mondays and Fridays are rest days. Rest is critical to your recovery and injury prevention efforts, so don't skip your rest days. You'll alsoget mentally burned out if you run every day with no breaks.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: After you warm up, run at a comfortable pace for the designated mileage. Make sure you cool down and stretch after your run.
Each week, you'll increase your runs by a quarter mile, which is a lap on most outdoor tracks. If you usually run on roads and you're not sure how far you run, you can figureout the mileage by using MapMyRun.com. Or, you could drive your route in your car and measure the mileage using your car odometer.
Wednesdays: Do a cross-training (CT) activity (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer, or other cardio activity) at easy to moderate effort for 30 to 40 minutes. Strength-training is also very beneficial for runners. If you're feeling very sluggish or sore, take a restday.
Sundays: This is an active recovery day. Your run should be at an easy, comfortable pace. Or, you can do a run/walk combination or cross-train (CT).
Note:
You can switch days to accommodate your schedule. So if you're busy on another day and prefer to workout on a Monday or Friday, it's fine to swap a rest day for a run day.







5K Training Schedule for Beginners

Week |Monday|Tuesday |Wednesday |Thursday |Friday |Saturday |Sunday | |1 |Rest |1 mi run |CT or Rest |1 mi run |Rest |1.5 mi run |20-30 min run or CT | |2 |Rest |1.5 mi run |CT or Rest |1.5 mi run |Rest |1.75 mi run |20-30 min run or CT | |3 |Rest |2 mi run |CT or Rest |1.5 mi run |Rest |2 mi run |20-30 min run or CT | |4 |Rest |2.25 mi run |CT or Rest |1.5 mi run |Rest |2.25 mi run |25-35 min run or CT | |5|Rest |2.5 mi run |CT or Rest |2 mi run |Rest |2.5 mi run |25-35 min run or CT | |6 |Rest |2.75 mi run |CT |2 mi run |Rest |2.75 mi run |35-40 min run or CT | |7 |Rest |3 mi run |CT |2 mi run |Rest |3 mi run |35-40 min run or CT | |8 |Rest |3 mi run |CT or Rest |2 mi run |Rest |Rest |5K Race! | |















Improving your running form can help you run faster, more efficiently,and with less stress on your body and reduced risk of injury. Follow these tips to work on perfecting your running form.

Look Ahead

Your eyes should be focused on the ground about 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. Don't stare at your feet. Not only is this proper running form, but it's also a safer way to run because you can see what's coming.

More: Tips for Running Safely

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