It can be a daunting experience when you embark on that first run.
The first step is often hard because it’s the one that signifies change. Taking that first step leads to uncertainty: it means going somewhere different, doing something new, being unsure of the outcome.
If you are anything like me when I first started running there were all sorts of things going through my mind, for instance, “what if I fall over”, “what if I need to stop”, “what if someone I know sees me”, “what if I need to stop for a wee”. Certainly the thought about needing to stop was something that did come true on that very first run (as have all the others at one point or another). In the beginning the idea of running at all can be a big challenge, that is why the couch to 5k training plan is a great place to start. It’s a training plan that incorporates both walking and running to build up the distance and endurance as well as your confidence.
This approach will also provide a solid structure to your 5k training that will be good for motivation and not leave you feeling frustrated that you have had to stop at regular intervals. By following the couch to 5k training plan it will also counter the possibility of you trying to do too much too soon and becoming de-motivated and subject to an increased risk of injury.
This couch to 5k training plan is the perfect starter for your new running career. The 5k training plan is designed to condition your body over an 8-week period to gradually introduce you to the merits of 5k training. The couch to 5k training plan can then be the spring-board to trying one of our other structured 5k training plans which target a particular time. Maybe one day you’ll be following the sub 20 min 5k training plan, but for now let’s complete the couch to 5k training plan!
Before you lace-up your fancy footwear, please peruse our couch to 5k running tips for beginners.
Your Couch to 5k Training Plan
The couch to 5k is spread over 8-weeks and has adequate rest days to allow your body to recover. On these rest days you could consider a swim or cycle-ride as a means of cross-training. These will give you that nice warm healthy feeling without sapping your legs of energy for the next run.
Remember, running is hard at first, if you are a complete novice then it is going to be difficult; but then things worth doing usually are. There will be times when you will not want to walk/run, there will be times when your head is telling you that are not able to go on. There will be times when it’s raining and cold outside, when the last thing in the world that you want to do is go out in ‘it’, but stick with it. Persevere, because each time you do, it’s another step on the road to achieving your goal and the benefits derived from taking these little steps only serve to make you mentally and physically stronger.
| Session #1 | Session #2 | Session #3 | Time Running | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Run 2, Walk 2 x8 | Run 2, Walk 2 x8 | Run 2, Walk 2 x10 | 16+16+20=52mins |
| Week 2 | Run 3, Walk 3 x6 | Run 3, Walk 3 x7 | Run 3, Walk 3 x8 | 18+21+24=63mins |
| Week 3 | Run 5, Walk 3 x 3 | Run 5, Walk 3 x 4 | Run 5, Walk 3 x 5 | 15+20+25=60mins |
| Week 4 | Run 6, Walk 3 x 4 | Run 6, Walk 3 x 4 | Run 6, Walk 3 x 4 | 24+24+24=72mins |
| Week 5 | Run 8, Walk 5 x 3 | Run 9, Walk 3 x 3 | Run 10, Walk 5 x 3 | 24+27+30=81mins |
| Week 6 | Run 10, Walk 3, Run 5, Walk 3 x 2 | Run 10, Walk 3 x 2 | Run 10, Walk 3 x 3 | 30+20+30=80mins |
| Week 7 | Run 15, Walk 5, Run 5 | Run 15, Walk 5, Run 10 | Run 15, Walk 5, Run 15 | 20+25+30=80mins |
| Week 8 | Run 20, Walk 5, Run 15 | Run 20, Walk 3, Run 20 | Run 5k Non-Stop Then Eat Cake! | 35+40+5k run! |
For a 5k training plan that is targeting a particular race pace or Personal Best, please check out our 5k training plans below:
Is the “time running” calculated correctly? E.g. I think that the first session duration is 32 min not 16 (4*8).
Time “running”, walking doesn’t count 😉
I want some clarification about something. Is the time running calculated correctly? E.g. I think the first session duration is 32min not 16 ( 4*8)
Hey matt,
I am bit confused about session…I am completely beginner in running….So which day i have to run and when to rest?? Do i have to complete all sessions in one day??
Hi Rutvik, it is up to you which day’s you do the sessions but I would space them out over the course of the week. E.g., week 1: session 1 on Monday, session 2 on Wednesday, session 3 on Friday or Saturday. Then move on to Week 2.
Good luck with it and do let us know how it goes.
Hey Matt, I’m just about to enter week 6 but I’m a bit confused on the phrasing of session 1.
It goes run 10, walk 3, run 5 X2
Does that mean you intend for us to run 10 minutes, walk 3, run 15 minutes, walk 3, and then run 5 again?
Cheers.
Hi Will, the intention is to run for 10 mins, walk for 3 mins, then run again for 5 mins. Then walk again for 3 minutes before repeating the cycle. I will make it clearer in the description as I agree it’s not obvious that you need to walk after the second run. Cheers.
Just about to start your plan having been a couch potato for way too long. Could you please give an indicator on pace in the plan. Where you say in week 1 walk for 2, run for 2, what would be reasonable targets to start with?
Awesome plan! I’ll give it a go. 48 yr old chap who is fairly fit but now running instead of going to the gym as they are now closed due to Covid 19 (Thanks Boris!)