Whether you’re planning an action-packed holiday or looking forward to relaxing on the beach, travel is both easier and more enjoyable if you have a good level of fitness.
So, what if you’re a real couch potato and have no idea where to start? Well, then you’re in the right place! This is our “How To Run 5km In 9 Weeks” guide.
This is by no means a new or innovative training program, various adaptations of this style of training have been around for years, varying between 8 to 10 weeks long. We have both used this training program very successfully, multiple times and can highly recommend it to even the laziest of people out there!
What makes it different from just going out there and starting to run? This is an interval training program, which means that as you work to strengthen your body, you also give it time to recuperate and recover. The program below is set out over a 9 week period, with set combinations of walking and running. As you progress through the program, you will systematically start running more and walking less, until you are able to run the full 5-kilometre distance. As tempting as it may be, try to stick to the program and not jump ahead. You want to concentrate on building endurance slowly in order for it to be sustained, so don’t just rush into running the full distance with the risk of injury. The first 2 weeks, in particular, give your body the chance to develop an efficient and natural running style.
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Disclaimer: This is not a personal training guide and neither of us are personal trainers. This is simply something that has worked for us and which we wish to share. You should consult your own health care practitioner before beginning with any strenuous activities which you are not comfortable with.
Once you’ve started your training, why not find out if there are any regular 5km runs in your area. Many towns have regular 5km Park Runs on a Saturday, which are free to attend and which are timed events, allowing you to track your progress.
Here are some tips to help you stick to your training program:
Buddy Up - find an accountability partner, it’s always more difficult to give up if someone else is depending on you.
Create Habit - try to exercise at the same time each day, this will help to form a habit of daily exercise.
Commit to that 5km - sign up for a 5km event so that you have a fixed deadline and goal to work towards.
Don’t forget to warm up before AND stretch after your daily run.
Listen to music with 170-190 beats per minute to help you keep a good pace. Using a waterproof or sweatproof headset is best as you don't have to worry about sweating. Lisa absolutely loves her Sony Waterproof BlueTooth Headset because it also has a built-in MP3 Player which means you don't even need to have your smartphone with you.
