How to Train for a 5K: A 6-Week Plan for Beginners

Have you always wanted to join your friends who run races, but need to know how to train properly? This six-week 5K training program is designed for beginning runners or run/walkers who want to build up to running a 5K (3.1 mile) road race. This beginner 5K training plan starts as a run/walk program and gradually builds to a continuous running program. You should have some basic experience running and be in good health when you begin.

When you complete this 5K training plan, you'll be ready to take part in a 5K event or simply know you can run three miles without stopping. You can also expect to feel stronger and healthier. A regular running program—even if it is just a few minutes a day—can help you boost heart health and even help you to live longer.

Why Follow a 5K Training Plan?

If you've never run a 5K, the thought of running continuously mile after mile may seem intimidating. Of course, you can lace up your shoes and head out for a jog several times each week, increasing your mileage with the intention of eventually reaching the 3.1 mile mark. But a structured beginner 5K training plan helps you achieve that goal in small, attainable steps.

In this plan, each week you'll make small increases in your running distance while making slight decreases in your walking intervals. At the end of six weeks, you'll be ready to run the 5K distance without a walking break. (Although if you want to take walking breaks during the race, that’s fine, too.)

How to Use a 5K Training Plan

Although this 5K training plan is for beginners, it's best not to use it if you've been inactive for the past three months or more. To start this program that teaches you how to train for a 5K, you should be able to run non-stop for 5 minutes. If you're a beginner, build your fitness with a four-week program to run 1 mile before taking on the 5K distance.

Familiarize yourself with important concepts before training for your 5K: Cross-training, recovery, interval training, and self-evaluation are crucial to building endurance and avoiding burnout and injury.

Cross-Training

You'll see that your 5K training plan suggests cross-training on certain days. Cross-training means performing some form of exercise that is not running.

Cross-training can be cycling, yoga, swimming, or any other activity (other than running) that you enjoy. Strength training one to three times a week is recommended for general health and is also beneficial for runners. Studies have shown that when runners participate in regular resistance training, they enjoy improvements in muscular strength, running economy, muscle power, and better performance in running up to a 10K distance.

Interval Training

Intervals are short bursts of increased effort that runners can perform to challenge themselves and improve their overall performance. It also helps runners learn varying paces and efforts. Studies suggest that sprint interval training is an effective way to improve both endurance and power in trained athletes.

Interval training might seem more advanced, but incorporating intervals provides variety and fights boredom.

Rest Days

Rest days are equally important to running days in your 5K training plan. Recovery time allows your body the chance to recharge and renew, so do not skip this time to allow your body to recover each week.

When looking at the weekly plan, modify as needed to fit your schedule. You don't have to do your runs on specific days; however, you should try not to run two days in a row.

Evaluating Your Progress

Be mindful of how you feel as you move through the 5K training plan. Take note of your energy levels and your ability to stay consistent with training. If you find this training program is moving too quickly, you can stay on for a week and repeat the workouts before progressing to the next week. This may mean that you postpone your 5K event (if you signed up for one). But postponing your race is smarter than pushing yourself to the point of burnout or injury to stay on schedule.

If this training plan seems too easy, try a 6-week intermediate 5K training schedule. You might even feel ready to challenge yourself with an advanced 5K training plan. As you feel yourself growing stronger during your training program, try a pace calculator to track your progress.

5K Training Schedule

Week 1

Day 1: Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
Day 2: Rest or cross-train.
Day 3: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: Run 7 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
Day 6: Rest or cross-train.
Day 7: Rest.

Week 2

Day 1: Run 7 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
Day 2: Rest or cross-train.
Day 3: Run 8 minutes, walk 1 minute. Then, run hard for 1 minute, walk for 2 minutes; repeat 3 times. Finish with a 7-minute run and a 1-minute walk.
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: Run 9 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 3 times.
Day 6: Rest or cross-train.
Day 7: Rest.

Week 3

Day 1: Run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2: Cross-train.
Day 3: Run 12 minutes, walk 1 minute. Then run hard for 1 minute, walk for 2 minutes; repeat 4 times.
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: Run 13 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 2 times.
Day 6: Rest or cross-train.
Day 7: Rest.

Week 4

Day 1: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2: Cross-train.
Day 3: Run 17 minutes, walk 1 minute. Then add two intervals where you run hard for 1 minute, walk for 2 minutes.
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: Run 19 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 7 minutes.
Day 6: Rest or cross-train.
Day 7: Rest.

Week 5

Day 1: Run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 6 minutes.
Day 2: Cross-train.
Day 3: Run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute. Then run hard for 1 minute, walk for 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times.
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: Run 26 minutes.
Day 6: Rest or cross-train.
Day 7: Rest.

Week 6

Day 1: Run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute. Then run hard for 1 minute, walk for 2 minutes. Repeat 2 times.
Day 2: Rest or cross-train.
Day 3: Run 30 minutes.
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: Run 20 minutes.
Day 6: Rest.
Day 7: Race day!

Preparing for a 5K Event

Once you have completed a 5K training plan, you may want to take part in a 5K race or fun run. You might even have one already on your schedule. To feel your best on race day, it helps to do some advance planning.

• Conditions: Mimic race-day conditions during training when possible. For example, if your race is an early morning event, your training runs should be early in the morning so your body gets used to running at that time of day.
• Fuel: Determine what kind of pre-race fueling works best for you. You don't want race-day stomach issues to derail your experience. Test different pre-run snacks or beverages during training and use that strategy on race day.
• Gear: Wear gear that is familiar to you. Race day is not the time to try new shoes or running apparel. The night before the race, lay out your best running shoes and most comfortable running outfit, along with your bib number and any snacks or beverages that you plan to bring to the starting line. When you wake up on race day, you'll have less to think about and you can direct your focus to having a great running experience.
  

A Word From Verywell

If you are new to road races, it is good to learn what to expect. Ask the race organizer any questions you have about the race. It is also helpful to attend other races beforehand, observing what is going on and chatting with the runners.

If you're ready for your next challenge, try a beginner 10K training program or a beginner half marathon training program.