A 5k. 3.1 miles. A seemingly daunting task for anyone who doesn’t run. Yet, with a good program, it’s actually quite attainable.
Btw, I tried researching why races are measured in kilometers rather than miles and I really didn’t find a good answer. If you happen to know, please be sure to share! I found articles about marathons being measured as the distance a Greek messenger ran to share battle news but the accuracy is a little distorted on the place and the miles but that actually doesn’t translate into 5Ks or 10s. Any who, back to my article.
5ks are very popular because they are relatively short making them ideal for beginners. It doesn’t take a long period of training, usually 9-12 weeks.
Throwback to 2012 to my first 5k as part of the infamous Gate River Run
I’ve included links to several 5k training programs below.
This link to active.com is a plan that takes you from couch potato to running a 5k race in just 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 9 weeks.
Women’s running plan includes a 4 day run/walk plan leading up to a 30 minute run. Two days are optional rest/cross train days and one is a full day to recover.
This plan offered by Shape includes 3 running days, 2 strength training days and 2 rest days.
This alternative is hailed as the none to run plan. The article is very interesting and is offered as an alternative to the couch to 5k plan which the author deems as flawed. He states it’s a better choice for true beginners or those who may be overweight.
Once you’ve decided on a program, check out the links on my race page to find a race to sign up for. Most programs suggest doing so as a goal and motivation to keep at it.
Let me know what program you use and what race you’re going to crush in the comments!