Beginner training plan: How to run a 5K

Training for any race requires a holistic approach. You’ll need the right gear, good nutrition, a well-planned schedule, and accountability to keep yourself on track.

Let’s look at gear first (not-so-secretly our favourite topic). Make sure you have shoes, bras and running clothes that will hold up not just for the race but for all the miles you’re going to put into training beforehand. Find reliably comfortable pieces and plan your race-day outfit in advance so you can take it for a test run. Don’t wear anything new on race day — the road to the finish line is paved with rashes, blisters and chafing in unspeakable places from previously untested gear.

On that note, many runners find it helpful to experiment with their diets in the weeks leading up to a race. What you eat before a 5K is important. Use your training period to figure out how to avoid GI distress on the run and pinpoint what gives you energy to perform your best.

Don’t forget that decisions you make off the run affect your miles: eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and hydrate properly. Get in the habit of drinking water not just when you run but throughout your training.

Finally, you’re going to need a plan. More advanced runners may want a different strategy, e.g. if you’re looking to improve on an old time, you’ll likely need to do some speed work. But if you’re ramping up to your first start line, here’s a schedule to get you to your mark.

How to breathe while running a 5K

Headed out for a run and found it difficult to catch your breath? You’re not alone. Running causes your muscles and respiratory system to work harder than usual, requiring more oxygen, which can make breathing more difficult. If you’re finding 5k breathing particularly difficult, it could be that you’re pushing yourself too hard. Let’s take a look at how to breathe while running a 5k and leave those shallow breaths behind.

If you find that you can’t have a conversation whilst you’re running, try breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. This allows more oxygen to enter your body - and it ensures you can’t clench your jaw, helping your whole body to relax.

You should also try to take deep belly breaths (also known as diaphragmatic breathing) rather than shallow chest breaths. This is one of the best breathing techniques for running 5k, as it strengthens the muscles you use for breathing, allows you to take in more air, and can help to prevent side stitches. If you’ve never tried belly breathing before, it can feel a bit strange at first, so it’s a good idea to practice at home before you start using it on your runs.

To get a feel for it:

• Lie on your back and place your hands on your stomach
• Breathe in and out deeply - you should see your hands rise as you inhale, and fall as you exhale
• Take a deep breath in and fill your belly with air
• As your belly expands, focus on exhaling the air out through your runs
• Over time you can build up so your exhales are longer than your inhales

The ultimate 5K warm up

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of warming up before heading out for a run, no matter what the distance is. Doing a 5k warm up activates your bones, muscles and joints, helping to prevent running injuries. It also raises your heart rate and increases your core temperature, so you should be raring to go once you’ve finished your warm up. What’s more, it gets you into the right headspace for getting those kilometres in. Here’s how to warm up for a 5k, whether you’re racing for a PB or looking for a Couch to 5k warm up.

Start with a short jog of 5 to 10 minutes to get you warmed up and your heart racing. You could also opt for a brisk walk if you don’t want to run too far. Then move on to dynamic stretching, taking your joints and muscles through a range of motions.

Try these exercises in your 5k warm up:

• Forward lunges
• Side lunges
• Forward leg swings
• Heel flicks
• High knees

Couch to 5K printable plan for beginners

View the training plan

With this 5K training plan, in just about two months, you can go from “I only run when chased” to mile master. Seriously. Once your body gets used to running, the sport gets easier and the distance flies by. Here's a couch to 5K plan printable to help you get started.