How to Train for a 5K in 8 Weeks or Less

Running a 5k is often seem as almost a right of passage for many beginner-intermediate level runners.

Not only is it an accessible goal for anyone just starting out, or new to running… but it’s an excellent stepping stone for more challenging races later.

Your personal 5K time can also be used as a benchmark for longer distance races, giving you a pretty solid idea as to whether or not you’re up for the challenge.

Still, the most crucial part of the plan to make it through your first 5K… and second… and third… is a proper training regiment.

Training needs to be done right to avoid injury and ensure success… in whatever your final goal maybe.

Too many people are turned off to running simply by trying to take on too much too soon.

Their bodies will often rebel, via fatigue or injury…  and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to do this to themselves.

Take your time to do the research… and then formulate a plan customized to your needs and timeframe, to gradually and effectively get your body into shape.

In fact, the beginners’ program we outline here is less of a running regimen than a walking and jogging program. The idea is to transform you from couch potato to runner, getting you running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis in just two months. (Learn more here.)

What Is a 5K?

A 5k run (which is around 3.107 miles when converted) is one of the most common types of long-distance road races.

It is ideal for beginners and occasional runners, but it can also be challenging enough for intermediate- and expert-level runners.

It’s also great motivation to stay in shape!

People from all walks of life can join 5k runs. They are simple, inexpensive, and easy to accomplish (if you know what to do).

In this post, we’ll cover cover:

• The benefits of completing a 5k run
• How to prepare yourself for a 5K
• What to expect from a 5K (especially if it’s your first)
• Some tips you need to know regarding the yays and nays on race day
• What to eat before your 5K

12 Reasons Why You Can and Should Run a 5k Race

Knowing why you run is a critical factor in the mental game.

It helps you to keep your eye on the prize when you are struggling through a run, or when your body aches.

This helps you maintain consistency and persistence.

The main benefits of running a 5K include:

1. Helps you lose weight by burning calories.

Running is one of the most effective exercises to manage your weight.

In fact, the American Council on Exercise reports that it burns more calories than most other training regimes.

Most 5K training plans involve three or four days of running and two or three days of cross-training every week.

If you are just starting out, you should be ready for your race in six to eight weeks. And, because this training requires up to six days of cardio training per week, it can help you burn calories and lose weight—especially if you are also eating a healthy diet.

If you burn more calories than you eat, the weight will fall off.

It’s a nutritional fact.

A good general rule of thumb for avid runners is to follow a 60/25/15 diet, consisting of:

• 60% healthy carbohydrates
• 25% healthy fats
• 15% moderate to lean protein

2. Strengthens the immune system and prevents diseases.

A 5k run can significantly improve your body’s defenses against diseases.

In fact, a short article from Reader’s Digest reports that running promotes a longer lifespan by delaying the onset of various illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes.

It is clear to researchers that immunity is boosted with moderate running. People who run (or do any kind of moderate aerobic exercise) experience fewer instances of the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.

I can attest to that… having four small kids at home (aka, petri dishes for illness), I still tend to get sick very little thanks to running and a healthy dose of vitamin C.

Light or moderate running increases the body’s immune response by circulating protective cells through the body at a more rapid rate… which help attack and kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Infection fighters (such as macrophages, antibodies, immunoglobulins and white blood cells) are produced in your body and are able to rid your system of foreign invaders.

3. Increases bone density and strength.

High-impact activities like running prevent the loss of bone mineral density, according to a study conducted by the University of Missouri.

It claims that weight-bearing exercises, such as running, result in your muscles protecting your body from the stress of the activity by pulling on your bones. This pulling effect helps increase your bone density.

If this is done early in life, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis down the line.

Infographic: 12 Reasons Why You Can And Should Run A 5k Race

Check out the infographic below and know the reasons why you should run a 5k race!

4. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Aerobic exercises like running help in maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Running, in particular, allows your body to acquire more oxygen and regulate proper blood flow to prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

A 2013 study found that people who run more often show significantly higher improvements in HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure than those who run much less frequently.

5. Supports your overall respiratory system.

Your heart and lungs work hand-in-hand to deliver oxygen throughout your body. With proper exercises, like running, your body will not have a hard time breathing oxygen in and excreting carbon dioxide out.

Your muscles work harder while you’re running, which requires your body to use more oxygen and create more carbon dioxide. Your breathing rate has to increase to approximately three times its resting rate of breaths per minute to meet this higher demand.

As your oxygen requirements increase, your lungs’ oxygen capacity is also increased, which strengthens your lungs.

6. Relieves stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

When stress and anxiety impact the brain and its many nerve connections, the rest of your body also feels the impact. So it makes sense that if your body feels better, your mind will too.

Running improves and uplifts your mood. It releases a hormone called endorphins… which basically makes you a happier person.

Studies show that running is also very effective in enhancing overall cognitive function, which can be especially helpful when the stress in your life has depleted your energy or ability to focus.

7. Allows you to stay on track and run at your own pace.

A 5k run is just a short run.

So you can easily manage to finish the race without any hassle… even if you were to walk for part of it, you would still have a chance at finishing within a decent time of under 30-35 minutes.

Plus, you typically won’t feel any pressure, as you get the chance to run at your own pace without worrying about getting behind the others.

A 5k run is less about competing and more about finishing the race! In fact, for most people, it’s more about  personal achievement than snagging a first place medal.

8. Provides healthier and better hydration.

Since running a 5k allows you to run at your own pace, you should never feel dehydrated.

In fact, you can and should stop and drink anytime you feel the need to.

Longer races (such as a half or full marathon) are the ones where you need to come up with a hydration schedule… to keep you going while still keeping up your pace.

A 5k is much more relaxed when it comes to tending to your body’s needs.

9. Helps you give back to the community without spending too much.

Today, there are tons of organizations and nonprofits that organize 5k runs to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes.

In these instances, you will typically have donors sponsor your run and donate to the appointed organization after you complete the 5K.

So not only are you acquiring the health benefits of running… but also enjoying the companionship of old and new friends, while giving back to the community all at the same time.

That makes you a winner every time!

10. Permits you to travel on foot and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Who said you need a car to travel? By simply joining a 5k run, you can enjoy watching the beautiful scenery of the world and its lovely people.

Most 5ks take place in open areas where there is a lot of scenery to view on your journey. There are also often onlookers, there to support and cheer you on.

11. Improves your social and interpersonal skills.

A 5k run usually involves a lot of people—organizers, participants, trainers, athletes, etc.

Interacting with these people will surely help you gain new friends and improve your social skills, especially as you are all working towards a common goal.

12. Makes you feel more confident about yourself.

Running doesn’t discriminate.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re old, young, fat, or thin. Just be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any concerns!

As long as you want to register and join the fun, you can—and no one will stop you.

You can even find people who will help you train for the race.

Setting a goal of completing a 5k, and then achieving it, is certain to boost anyone’s confidence.

How to Prepare for a 5k Run (a Beginner’s Guide)

Ok, so you are ready to get started.

But what is your game plan?

When training for your 5k, it is important to lay out a plan that will work for you and that you will commit to doing. Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Find the perfect training program for you.

For beginners, this is ultimately the first step.

You need to find a training program that perfectly suits your physical, mental, and emotional abilities.

Your plan will likely look different from the routine of someone who is a seasoned runner—and that’s okay. Remember, you don’t get a prize for getting injured, so you want to make sure to train in an appropriate way.

You need a training plan that keeps you on track, motivated, and continuously making progress.

Setting the right plan takes out the guesswork during your training time. Yes, you still have to finish the workouts, but you can start each day knowing that you are properly prepared and you have the tools you need to make it through your run.

There are several options to choose from when you are creating your training schedule.

Depending on how much time you have to train, we’ve gone ahead and listed a workout regime to help get you to the finish line.

Note: These plans are geared towards the “advanced beginner” level… those of you who can comfortably run 2 miles per day, 4 or 5 times per week.

If you’re thinking about a 5K, chances are you fit into this category.

Weekly Workout Schedule

1. Mondays and Fridays: These are rest days. Rest is important to your recovery and injury prevention efforts, so don’t skip your rest days. You can enjoy easy strolls and light activities.
2. Tuesdays and Saturdays: After you warm up, run at a comfortable, conversational pace for the designated mileage. You should be able to breathe easily while you’re running and not be gasping for air. If your breathing is getting out of control, slow down or take a walk break. Make sure you cool down and do some basic running stretches after your run.
3. Wednesdays: Do a cross-training (CT) activity (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer) at easy to moderate effort for 40 to 45 minutes. You can also do some basic strength training, which can help improve your performance and is a recommended physical activity for everyone.
4. Thursdays: These runs should be done at your 5K race pace. If you’re not sure what your 5K pace is, run at a speed that you could sustain for 3.1 miles. Make sure you do a warm-up before your run and cool-down after.
5. Sundays: This is an active recovery day. Your run should be at an easy (EZ), comfortable pace, which helps loosen up your muscles. Or, you can do a run/walk combination or cross-train (CT).

You can mix and match these days to suit your needs.

For example, if you have kids in preschool Monday, Wednesday and Friday… maybe you don’t want to rest those days. Maybe you prefer to rest when they are home with you and it’s harder to get out to train.

Whatever works for you, and whatever will help you stick to the plan, is key.

Once you have established your general workout schedule, it’s time to figure out how much time you have (or want to have) before race day.

There are great websites that list 5Ks. You can search by location, date and event type (or run category).

Some of the best include:

1. Run Signup
2. Active.Com
3. Runners World
4. Running in the USA

Once you find your race, you can establish your training timeline.

There are free online guides you can go off of, but I will try and simplify things for you here.

Also note that why the general training guideline above does incorporate a day for cross-training… it isn’t necessary. Especially if you know a race is coming up, you may want to just focus on the run aspect.

Still, it can never hurt to mix a little CT in.

8 weeks / 7 weeks – These programs give you the longest time to prepare and, thus, have a very high success rate.

As in, if you cautiously follow the program, you are sure to complete that 5k run!

This is the best and recommended option for beginners who want to build up their stamina gradually.

Your body has a lot to adjust to when you are training for a 5k, so this plan allows your body to have sufficient time to make those changes.

Training Outline:

Week 1 On Run/Walk Days, Walkers walk only! Runners run for 15 secs, walk for 45 secs.

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – Run/Walk 3 miles
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

Week 2

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – Run/Walk 3.5 miles
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

Week 3  On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 20 secs,walk for 40 secs.

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – Run/Walk 2 miles with *Magic Mile
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

What is Magic Mile, you ask?

Good question!

The Magic Mile is a training tool designed to help you find a realistic race pace. On the first Magic Mile, warm up as usual and then run or walk 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) slightly faster than your normal pace.

Time your 1-mile run/walk with a stopwatch.

Run or walk easily the rest of the distance assigned for the day.

On each successive Magic Mile, warm up as usual, and then try to beat your previous 1-mile run/walk time.

Your 5K race pace should be about one to two minutes slower than your fastest Magic Mile time.

Got it?

Infographic:How To Prepare For A 5k Run (A Beginner’s Guide): 7 Weeks Training Outline

Having a hard time preparing for A 5k run? Follow the outline in this infographic below to help you be prepared for a 5k run!

Ok, moving on to Week 4.

Week 4  On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 20 seconds/walk for 40 seconds.

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – Run/Walk 4 miles
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

Week 5  On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 25 seconds/walk for 35 seconds.

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – Run/Walk 2 miles with Magic Mile
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

Week 6  On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 25 seconds/walk for 35 seconds.

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – Run/Walk 4.5 miles
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

Week 7  On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 30 seconds/walk for 30 seconds.

• Monday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Tuesday – Walk 30 mins
• Wednesday – Run/Walk 30 mins
• Thursday – Walk 30 mins
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday – 5K Race Day!!
• Sunday – Rest or Walk

If you are giving yourself 8 weeks, simply repeat Week’s 1 regime once.

The basic premise of these workouts is based on interval training.

Thus, the running for X seconds and walking for X seconds for the duration of the workout, which is typically capped at 30 minutes… unless it is a longer run day.

6 weeks / 5 weeks – You can still expect a gradual training program even if you only have five to six weeks before the event.

This is also a great time frame for beginners, and also for those who run once or twice a week on their own already…  but don’t necessarily pay attention to their time or distance.

If you are a casual or occasional runner, these plans might fit you best.

4 weeks / 3 weeks – A month or even less than a month may be a bit short to prepare for a 5k run, but you can still do so as long as you follow a well-designed plan.

This might be the best option for you if you have run a 5k or two in the past, but are not a dedicated runner on a full-time basis.

2 weeks – This will be tough, but it is possible.

Some trainers can help you prepare for a 5k run just within two weeks… if you find a race at the last minute that you want to try to prepare for.

Once you pick your plan, you should record it in your calendar so you know what you have to do each day… as well as view the plan for the days ahead.

Whatever your time frame, it’s important to remember a few things.

1. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Do your best to stick with your running schedule, but don’t get upset if things come up!

Your training program should depend on your body’s ability to increase your running pace gradually. It’s perfectly fine if you need to miss a run for extra rest, or if you need to stop to walk to take a breather sometimes.

You don’t want to push your body past what it is willing to do because it could result in an injury that could take you out of training completely.

Also… life happens! And training for your 5k might not always be your first priority. If you have something else that you need to tend to in your life, simply pick up where you left off the next day. Your body will not forget the training you have done up to that point.

2. Stick to your training program.

With that said, you don’t want to skip a day in your running schedule simply because you have to miss a day. Don’t cheat and skip. This may lead to injury or force your body to work harder than it is ready to.

For example, if one day of your schedule has you doing two sets of running for 10 minutes and then walking for one minute, and the next day is cross-training before the following day of increasing your run time to 12 minutes, don’t skip your day of cross-training if you have to be out that day.

Simply start back where you stopped and push your training plan one day out.

Also, if you don’t feel like you are ready to move on to the next level of training, keep on repeating at your current level. Listen to your body and remember that there is a method to these training programs and a purpose for each day in the schedule.

3. Move on only when you’re ready.

Here is a way to determine if you are moving along properly with your training schedule.

• If you are completely exhausted and can’t catch your breath after your run, you are not ready for that stage yet.
• If you are trying to run too hard… adjust your next training by decreasing your effort a bit and slowing down. On the other hand, if you finish your workout and you are hardly winded, you should increase your effort during your next training session.
• Rest if you must, but don’t give up. If you’re on a tight schedule, plan your rest days as well, so your body has ample time to recuperate. Don’t feel bad if you need to repeat a training day a second—or even a third—time. GIve yourself enough rest time to enjoy your run.

4. Don’t forget to warm up and stretch.

Stretching and warming up are crucial parts to your training for a 5K. Doing so helps to condition your body for strenuous and high-impact exercises.

You have to gradually work your body up to running instead of starting “cold.”

Think about it.

What would happen if you took a rubber band that had been sitting out in the cold and just stretched it really quickly? It either wouldn’t stretch properly or it would snap! You have to warm up its fibers in order to lengthen it properly by giving it a few light tugs.

Your muscles act just like this rubber band because your muscular tissues have elastic properties.

Without properly preparing your body for your run, you might be unable to perform at your highest level, and you could also be putting yourself at a higher risk for injury.

When you warm up, you raise your body’s heart rate and metabolic rate. Doing this generates heat throughout your body and muscles.

A warm up can be as simply as speed walking for five minutes.

And if you want to incorporate stretching into your warm-up, rather than doing it separately, you can do some dynamic stretches. These coordinated movements repeatedly work your muscles through a comfortable yet demanding range of motion.

Not only will this provide your muscles with an effective stretch, it is also a great warm up because it helps produce heat within your muscles.

Alternatively, static stretching is a great way to prevent injury if your muscles are already warm.

When you are static stretching, you hold a stretched pose for a sustained amount of time.

Stretching and warming up are a vital part of training because they condition your body and muscles for strenuous activities.

5. Avoid stress and take good rests.

As indicated earlier, your rest days should be planned as well. You need enough time to allow your muscles to recuperate.

Taking time to rest is a critical part of training because this is when the impacts of your efforts actually occur.

Truth.

Your body doesn’t actually make changes while you are running—those changes are made as it is recovering.

How you ask?

Well, your body adapts to stress… and so it needs an increasing amount of stress to make progress.

On the flip side, your body can only take so much stress at a time.

When you train, the tissues in your muscles become damaged. It is only while you rest that these tissues will replenish and your muscles will repair themselves.

When you avoid stress and take enough time to rest, you will be able to progress faster in your training because you will have the energy that you need to power up your workouts and put forth all of your energy while you’re training.

If you are stressed or tired, you won’t be able to train as effectively, which will make the quality of your workouts suffer.

6. Keep your eyes on the goal.

Find your motivation, and always set your focus on the goal. This way, you won’t easily give up, and you’ll continue your journey to finish that 5k run.

Picture yourself crossing that finish line and imagine how it will make you feel.

As you are training, the best way to keep your eye on the prize might be to focus on what you need to accomplish that very day. If you are able to keep up with your training schedule and complete the workouts leading up to your big day, you will certainly make the necessary progress.

Here’s a tip:

Set some smaller goals to meet during your training time so you can have the satisfaction of meeting milestones before you accomplish your final goal.

There are also some great training apps you can download on your smartphone, many of which will sync with a fitness tracker, to keep you on point with your training.

My favorites include:

• Couch to 5K (by Active Network)

Get off the couch and get running with the OFFICIAL Couch to 5K® training app! This oft-imitated program has helped thousands of new runners move from the couch to the finish line. Spend just 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, for nine weeks, and you’ll be ready to finish your first 5K (3.1-mile) race!

• Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club has the tools you need to run better, including GPS run tracking; audio guided runs; weekly, monthly and custom distance challenges; customized coaching plans for your goals; and nonstop motivation from your friends. Reach your goals and have fun along the way with Nike Run Club.

• Map my Run (Under Armour)

Track and map every run with MapMyRun and get feedback and stats to improve your performance. Discover the best running routes, save and share your favorites, and get inspired to reach new running goals with a community of over 40 million runners. Whether you’re a beginner looking to log your first mile or a seasoned runner, you’ll find the features and tools you need to stay on track and motivated along the way.

Each one is super simplistic and the “personal trainer” setting keeps you motivated. You can also create a playlist to get you moving even quicker.

Infographic: 6 Race Day Tips For Running The 5k

Highlighted in this infographic below are 6 race day tips for running th 5k. Following these tips will help you be more prepared during the race day.

How to Prepare For a 5k Run (An Expert’s Guide)

If you are experienced in the 5k arena and are looking to improve your performance as you train for this run, here are some more advanced tips.

Expert just means that you’ve been running for many years and, well, this isn’t your first rodeo!

You have completed several 5K (and likely other) races… and are probably at your maximum performance level.

Still, you would like to finish this run as fast as possible, and want a training program that will challenge you.

If this sounds like you, here are some tips:

1. Choose a training program that fits your pace.

Even if you’re (ahem) a seasoned runner… you still need to pick the best training program that fits your physical, mental, and emotional abilities.

You don’t want to start off too strong and continue at an advanced pace throughout your training, as this could lead to injury.

On the other hand, you don’t want to take a step back and train below your current abilities.

It’s important to challenge yourself while you are training, but also make sure to incorporate your rest days.

And remember to add in cross-training and speed runs, in addition to endurance runs, for maximum pace results.

2. Still, follow the beginner’s guide.

What we’re referring to here are the motivational tips that you need to keep in mind (e.g., avoiding stress, getting enough sleep, not being too hard on yourself, etc.).

Chronic stress can tax your body and make it hard to complete your training.

After all, running can put too much pressure on your body if you go overboard, and this may lead to a lack of motivation, depression, weight gain, lack of sleep, and fatigue… which are all factors that can be overwhelming for runners.

Challenging training sessions become much more difficult for people dealing with persistent stress. Soon enough, training and stress come together to lead to overtraining syndrome and a lack of consistency.

So make sure that you are able to tell the difference between everyday motivating stressors and chronic stress that is harmful.

3. Develop your speed and enhance your skills.

Since you’re already used to running, and surely know the dos and don’ts, you can now focus on your speed, stamina, and physical strength.

For one run a week, run faster than you normally would. During these runs, it is ok—and recommended—to get out of breath.

To enhance your skills, do some cross-training and long runs.

Go for a bike ride twice a week or take a HIIT class at the gym… both a great CT activities.

For your long runs, don’t worry about your speed or how far you run. Instead, focus more on your endurance and running at a steady pace for 60 or 90 minutes.

4. Maintain your health and diet.

You need to plan out your meals to make sure that you’re getting the right kind of nutrition your body needs. You want to eat foods that are fuel for your body during your run, including complex carbohydrates.

As a rule of thumb, the number of calories you should consume depends on the speed and distance of your runs. Keep in mind that you will burn about 100 calories per mile, depending on your size, so you want to keep your body properly fueled.

Drink as much water as you can while you’re training, and avoid foods that are really fatty—especially on the days leading up to the race.

On the night before your race, don’t experiment with new foods. Stick to what you know your body won’t have an adverse reaction to.

Finally, on the morning of your race, choose something light, like oatmeal and fruit.

5. Include high-intensity interval running as part of your training.

High-intensity interval activities increase your lactate threshold. Increasing your lactate threshold can help you run faster for longer periods.

One example of doing this is sprinting 400 meters, then recovering by jogging or walking for 400 meters.

Or, you could run 200 meters at an 800-meter race pace… and then do 200 meters of jogging recovery.

Before starting your high-intensity interval runs, make sure to warm up for about a mile.

Race Day Tips for Running the 5k

Now let’s talk about some things you should keep in mind on the day of the race.

On the morning of your race, you want to make sure that your routine is pretty normal for your body, and not try anything new or unfamiliar.

Here are some other things to keep in mind:

1. Prepare your race outfit and everything you need.

Actually, you need to do this the night before, so you won’t have to hassle yourself on the race day itself. This is not the day to wear your brand new running shoes or try out your new running outfit. Stick with what you know. It is already broken in, and you are sure it is comfortable.

2. Get a good night sleep the night before the big day.

Not getting enough sleep will greatly affect your performance on race day.

I don’t have to tell you that a lack of sleep is never good… even if you’re not a runner.

So, to help you get a good night’s sleep, try not to overthink it. Just go about with your regular nightly routine so your body is getting the signal that it is time for bed.

And make sure you have everything set up for the next day, so you aren’t lying in bed thinking about last-minute details.

3. Sleep early so you can get up early.

Not to sound like your mother, but “don’t be late!”

Make sure you have plenty of time to prepare, hours before the race actually starts.

You don’t want to be rushing around at the last minute, and you don’t want to arrive late at your race and then struggle to find parking or figure out where you need to be.

4. Eat a healthy breakfast and drink enough water.

Don’t overeat carbohydrates, even though carbs are good to give you enough energy.

Instead, eat something light an hour before the race starts, and drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

A cup of oatmeal or even half a bagel with some Greek yogurt, is the perfect pre-race meal.

5. Warm your body up before the race.

Warming up conditions your body for heavier activity. It increases your blood circulation and primes your muscles for long periods of intense exercises.

Warming up will also greatly reduce your risk of injury during your run, which helps ensure that you will make it to the finish line.

And, it can help to prepare your brain and nervous system for the more intense activity ahead.

6. Line up in the right spot before the race.

If you’re an expert, then you may be near the starting line.

If you’re a beginner, you might want to line up in the middle or near the back, with people who have the same pace as you.

As much as you might want to be front and center amidst the action, starting too close to the front may interfere with (and frustrate) active competitors.

But don’t worry, once the race starts, you will be able to experience the excitement of it all… no matter what position you are in.

A Final Word On 5k Race Running

Running a 5k is a good way to start if you’re looking at making running a part of your exercise regime.

As we covered, a 5K is not only achievable and affordable… but very beginner friendly (not to mention that running alone brings a lot of benefits).

Hopefully you are able to take away a few key tips from this post, centered on:

• How to prepare for a 5k run
• Things you can expect before and on race day
• The wide range of benefits that a 5k run may bring

With these tips and guidelines, we hope that you were inspired to finally register for that 5k run you’ve been contemplating.

And if you have already signed yourself up, but don’t know where to start, we hope that we were able to help you kick start your training.

If you want a complete beginner’s guide to running, be sure to check out our earlier post here.