Training For A 5K? Check Out These Running Plans

Try one of our 8-week 5K training plans for beginner to advanced level runners.

Before you approach the starting line for your 5K run, you’ll want to make sure you have the right training. If you’re a beginner, your goal may be just to finish the 3.1 miles. If you’re a seasoned runner, you may be pushing to place or reach a new PR.

Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or partaking in your latest race, these running plans can help keep you on track. The plans prep you for a 5K run by incorporating runs, cross-training and, of course, rest.

ELEMENTS OF A 5K TRAINING PLAN

Before we break down the guides, it’s important to understand each component of the training. Each level of experience utilizes different types of runs, so make sure you have a good grasp of what you should be doing.

Walks: Just as the phrase goes, you need to walk before you can run. During these 30-minute walks, aim to cover as much distance as possible. Track your mileage and try to add more miles each week until race day.

Run/Walk: Start by running for 15-20 seconds and then walking for 45 seconds. Gradually try to increase your run time. You should run until you’re fatigued and then walk until you’ve recovered enough to resume running.

Rest: These days are important because they give your body a chance to recover. Take the time to stretch or do yoga. If you’re new to yoga, try these 12 basic yoga poses for beginners.

Cross-Training for a 5K: This can help you become a well-rounded athlete and get you in shape for your race. Cross-training can include a range of physical activities, such as elliptical machines, biking and swimming. Just make sure it’s something you enjoy.

If you’re interested in taking up cycling as your cross-training activity but aren’t sure where to begin, check out our Pro Tips intro to indoor cycling. Alternatively, try a cross-training class that includes elements of cardio, strength and flexibility. Get started with this guide to cross-training class.

Sprint Intervals: The speed work consists of short, fast intervals with recovery jogs in between. This can help with leg turnover (stride frequency), maximizing stamina and race confidence.

Tempo Runs: These days are for sustained effort running at your typical 10K race pace. A 10K race pace will generally be slower than your goal pace for the 5K. These runs should be challenging yet manageable. The goal is to help develop and increase your anaerobic threshold while increasing speed.

Pace Runs: Warm up by walking or slowly jogging. Then transition to running with a pace. Track these runs either by how quickly you complete the mileage or by how many miles you complete in a set time. Try to increase your speed as the schedule progresses.

Recovery Runs: This type of run is relatively short and at a slower speed. These runs are typically built into the plan the day after a harder run. The real benefit of recovery runs is that they allow you to find the optimal balance between the two factors that have the greatest effect on your fitness and performance: training stress and running volume.

5K TRAINING PLAN FOR BEGINNER RUNNERS

Training for 3.1 miles may seem intimidating to a new runner. To lessen the potential worry, we’ve put together this beginner training plan for a 5K. It’s great for entry-level runners and mixes walking, running and cross-training.

You’ll begin your training week with cross-training followed by a 30-minute walk the following day. Incorporate a mix of running/walking and cross-training throughout the week. Fridays are for rest.

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5K TRAINING PLAN FOR INTERMEDIATE RUNNERS

The intermediate 5K plan is for runners with a few races under their belt. This training schedule is a bit more intense.

The plan has Monday as your rest day, followed by a pace run the next day. Then speed work, with a recovery run the following day. Tempo runs are typically done on Saturdays followed by either a long run, cross-training or rest the next day.

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5K TRAINING PLAN FOR ADVANCED RUNNERS

If you’re a seasoned runner with multiple races, this is the 5K training plan for you. The goal is to help increase speed and hopefully work toward reaching that PR.

The schedule starts with a 3-mile run and progresses into speed work and tempo runs. Rest time is interspersed throughout the plan.

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It’s important to remember these are just an outline to provide a training plan to get you to the starting line. Make sure to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Also, you can modify the plan to fit your schedule as needed.

Remember to always consult a physician before taking up a new training regimen.

Before and after each run, make sure to stretch. Try these five pre-run stretches and these five post-run stretches.