If you’re interested in competitive running, a 5k race is the best place to start. After all, the 5k is called the “fun run” for a reason.
Although it’s a short-distance race suitable for everyone and not that hard to finish, it’s still better to prepare in advance.
Knowing how to prepare for a 5k in 10 weeks can be tricky if you’re a beginner. There’s a lot to worry about, from the right training plan to breaking the runner’s wall.
With this guidepost, you’ll be able to get from your couch to the finish line in only a little over two months!
11 Tips On How to Prepare for a 5k in 10 Weeks
Training for a race can be overwhelming. You’ll find yourself making a lot of choices between strength, endurance, distance, and pace.
Initially, we recommend starting with slow and simple workout routines. Gradually, you’ll be able to speed things up as you start interval running and cross-training.
While running gets easier after a while, we all could still benefit from some guidance to help us overcome obstacles with our 5k training plan.
So, let’s take a look at these tips to prepare for the upcoming 5k race:
1. Pick the Right Running Gear
Before you dive into your training program, let’s get you all geared up first. The best running outfit isn’t always the most expensive, though.
If you intend to buy new running shoes or a tracksuit, it’s better to do it now. This way, you can have enough time to “break it in” before the race.
Steer clear from cotton socks and get clothes that fit you just right. Oversized clothes tend to chafe the skin.
2. Start With Long Walks
We’ve met at least a dozen runners who were too eager to reach their goal pace from week one. Don’t get us wrong, this kind of motivation is great, and you should hold on to it.
However, it’s still better to start smooth and easy before you gradually increase the intensity of your workout sessions. It’ll take time, but it’ll also save you some painful injuries.
For the first week, you can warm up by walking. Go for at least 30 minutes for three days and then pump it up to an hour daily till the end of the week. Don’t forget to time your mile rate.
3. Make a Habit of Stretching Your Muscles
It can sound boring when people keep reminding you of the importance of stretches. Yet, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself as a runner. Plus, it won’t even take that long.
Marathon runners swear by stretches and how they can help boost your fitness, especially if you’ve been away from the track for a while.
Here are the most common stretching exercises for running for both warmups and cooldowns:
- Shoulder, hip, and arm circles
- Hip flexor stretches
- Standing quad stretches
- Side and low lunges
- Seating hamstring stretches
- Dynamic windmills
- Knee hugs
- Calf wall pushes
- Toe touches
4. Work On Your Running From
Although the right running shoe can help you with your mile time, you still need to be mindful when it comes to your running form.
Don’t hunch forward. Instead, draw your shoulder back to broaden your chest and engage your core while looking straight ahead.
If any part of your back or legs is hurting, you might overcompensate in your cadence. That’s why we recommend going for checkups as soon as you feel the slightest hint of an injury.
5. Do Interval Runs Every Other Day
To follow a moderately intense 5k training plan, you need to run three days every week. Don’t worry, though. The entire workout session should be over in under an hour.
As a general rule, interval running works best for a beginner runner. This means that you run a lap then walk for a while before the next round.
You can fill the remaining days with long walks, fitness exercises, strength training, or a full-on rest day.
6. Increase Your Running Intervals Gradually
Gradually, you’ll get to decrease your mile time by increasing the lap distance and cutting the walking period short.
You’ll need to time your laps, so it might be a good idea to get a runner’s app downloaded on your phone.
Here’s how:
- Spend the first week taking long daily walks (up to an hour)
- For the second week, warm up and run for a minute, then walk for four with a total 30-minute workout
- Add five minutes (one extra lap) to the running session for week three
- Increase the running lap to two minutes for both weeks four and five
- By week six, the lap and the rest should be equal at three minutes intervals
- Add five minutes to the running session for week seven and increase the run interval to four minutes
- For weeks eight and nine, maintain a 5:2 ratio for the run and recovery periods
- Take things easy for the last few days before the race day
7. Cooldown After Every Run
Once you’re done with your running session, you might be tempted to just get a lift back home to shower and nap.
However, It’s highly recommended that you dedicate 10 minutes or so of your time to do your cooldown exercises.
A typical cooldown can be a slow walk or an easy jog. The intensity depends on how much energy you have left. Don’t forget to seal it with your regular set of stretches!
8. Mix In Cross-Training
Depending on your fitness level, you can opt for casual exercises or a strength workout to build muscle mass.
Hill sprints are a great option if you want something more running-oriented. Plus, it offers a balance between cardio and muscle building exercises.
Preferably, each cross-training session should be around 35 minutes. As you approach the final week, you can cut down the time to 20 minutes by the seventh week.
9. Don’t Miss the Rest Days
Workouts and recovery go hand in hand. You can’t expect your muscles to benefit from a run when you still haven’t healed from the previous day’s swelling.
People think that ditching the workouts for two days every week can bring your endurance level down. However, it’s quite the opposite for runners.
After resting your body and mind, you should be ready to pick up your pace the next day. Remember to work smart throughout your training schedule.
10. Find Your Motivation
The further you go into the training plan, the more likely you’re to lose your motivation and get lost in a burnout mood.
Don’t give up on your 5k training just yet.
Generally, taking enough rest days and thoroughly enjoying them can help you avoid this feeling. However, if this happens, take a moment to go through your motivating factors.
What made you so eager to run the 5k? Was it health reasons or the rush of getting to the finish line? Maybe you’re running for a cause. Either way, it’s all going to be worth it in the end!
11. Have Fun With Your Workouts!
We get that running is a vigorous exercise, and it might be hard to enjoy yourself when you’re out of breath.
However, it’s not entirely impossible to enjoy your runs. Once you do, it’ll make all the difference in your motivation level that will reflect on your strides.
Look up running tracks with a nice scenery around you. Maybe blast some music while you finish the running session, too.
How to Prepare for a 5k in 10 Weeks FAQs
After setting your 5k training plan, you might need to take a look at the most frequently asked questions down here:
Q: Can you walk a 5k race?
A: Yes, you can walk to the finish line in a 5k course. Even though it’s a competitive running event, you can walk, jog at an easy pace, or whatever comes naturally to you.
A 5k has a race distance of 3.1 miles. On average, a healthy person can walk the track in 45 minutes to an hour. That doesn’t sound too bad for your first race!
Q: What can I do for cross-training?
A: The beauty of cross-training is that it’s so versatile. You can swim, do water aerobics, ride your bike, hit the gym, do yoga, or even dance your way throughout the session!
However, for the entire 10-week program, you’ll do around 16 days of cross-training. We recommend shifting things every week, so you don’t get bored too quickly.
Q: Can I miss days from the training plan?
A: Some people can’t go a week without running. Other people have to put effort into completing their weekly training sessions.
You can probably get away with missing a few running days as long as you pick up where you left later.
Q: How do you break the runner’s wall?
A: Almost every runner will face the dreaded wall at least once. It’s devastating, and you find yourself simply unable to speed up at all.
However, it’s a bit uncommon to hit the wall in short-distance races like the 5k, especially if you take rest intervals often. Carb-load anyway to fuel yourself against the wall.
Q: Do you need a personal trainer for a 5k training plan?
A: Personal trainers can guide intense strength workouts and marathon training. Plus, they also help people with medical conditions and flexibility issues.
When it comes to the notoriously easy 5k, coaching isn’t necessary. You can push your way through the training program on your own.
Q: What can I do if I still don’t feel ready by the end of the training plan?
A: It’s perfectly okay to feel like you need more training time, especially if it’s your first racing event.
You can sit this one out and prepare for the next one. There’s no shame in it, and you’ll find plenty of marathon events to participate in later.
Final Thoughts On How To Prepare For A 5K In 10 Weeks
We often hear people wondering how to prepare for a 5k in 10 weeks. It turns out to be fairly easy with the right training plan.
It’s always better to start slow then move into interval running till you reach your goal race pace.
A 10-week training plan can get you comfortably through the next 5k race, so don’t stress too much and try to have fun with it!