So, You Want To Run A 5K? Here's A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide

For anyone who is ready to embark on 3.1 miles but doesn't know where to start.

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Jan 23, 2025 - 21:03

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So, You Want To Run A 5K? Here's A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide

mbg Nutrition & Health Writer

By Abby Moore

mbg Nutrition & Health Writer

Abby Moore is an editorial operations manager at mindbodygreen. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine.

January 23, 2025

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Running is a beneficial and free source of physical fitness, but it's also a great way to take care of mental health 1.

While a full marathon may be the ultimate goal for seasoned runners, a 5K is a good place for beginners to start.

The term 5K stands for 5 kilometers, which equals 3.1 miles. Of all the organized long-distance races, 5Ks are typically the shortest.

To help novice runners on their journey, mbg gathered tips and a running plan from a few experts in the sport.

There are many things to consider when it comes to running, like how to start, when to start, and how to practice safety while running.

Beginner tips for running a 5K:

Running can feel competitive—especially when there's an end goal, like a 5K, in mind.

This can lead runners to take on too much, too quickly in terms of speed and distance, running coach and personal trainer Elizabeth Corkum says. This will lead to soreness and make runners less enthusiastic to get back out there.

"It sounds counterproductive, but spend more time walking," running coach Amanda Brooks says. "It will prevent you from getting frustrated, winded, and injured."

Prepare the night before each run

Finding the motivation to run can be challenging in and of itself. Finding the motivation at the end of a long, tiring day can be even harder.

"It might be really helpful for a new runner to set their running gear out the night before a run," Corkum says. "That way, first thing in the morning, they can just put on their gear and essentially get out the door."

This tip is especially helpful during the summer since mornings are generally the coolest time of day.

Don't quit other forms of exercise

It's important to take breaks from running, even while training. This can reduce risks of overuse and, ultimately, injury.

Corkum suggests continuing aerobic exercises, like swimming, cycling, or rowing.

These activities give the body a break from the motion of running, she explains, while continuing to elevate the heart rate and strengthen the lungs.

For those who don't have access to gym equipment or cardio machines, she recommends going for a walk.

"Not all runners need aerobic cross-training," she says, "but every runner should be doing some sort of strength training, yoga, or stretching practice to keep the body balanced and strong head to toe."

Beginner runners and even advanced athletes should take at least one full rest day per week, according to Corkum. "Your body and your brain will thank you, and you'll be more excited to go back to your next training day," she says.

When to start training

Corkum recommends starting to train no later than six weeks before the race.

This leaves enough time to ease into running, Corkum says, but it's also close enough to motivate runners to take training seriously.

A Nine-Week 5K Training Plan

Before each workout, briskly walk for five minutes.

For the first four weeks, repeat the same workout 3 times per week.

Week 1

Alternate 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes total.

Week 2

Alternate 90 seconds of jogging, 2 minutes of walking for 20 minutes total.

Week 3

Do 2 repetitions of the following:

Jog 200 yards, or 90 secondsWalk 200 yards, or 90 secondsJog 400 yards, or 3 minutesWalk 400 yards, or 3 minutes

Week 4

Jog ¼ mile, or 3 minutesWalk ⅛ mile, or 90 secondsJog ½ mile, or 5 minutesWalk ¼ mile, or 2½ minutesJog ¼ mile, or 3 minutesWalk ⅛ mile, or 90 secondsJog ½ mile, or 5 minutes

Week 5

Day 1:

Jog ¼ mile, or 3 minutesWalk ⅛ mile, or 90 secondsJog ½ mile, or 5 minutesJog ½ mile, or 5 minutesJog ¼ mile, or 3 minutesWalk ⅛ mile, or 90 secondsJog ½ mile, or 5 minutes

Day 2:

Jog ¾ mile, or 8 minutesWalk ½ mile, or 5 minutesJog ¾ mile, or 8 minutes

Day 3:

Jog 2 miles, or 20 minutes, with no walking.

Week 6

Day 1:

Jog ½ mile, or 5 minutesWalk ¼ mile, or 3 minutesJog ¾ mile, or 8 minutesWalk ¼ mile, or 3 minutesJog ½ mile, or 5 minutes

Day 2:

Jog 1 mile, or 10 minutesWalk ¼ mile, or 3 minutesJog 1 mile, or 10 minutes

Day 3:

Jog 2¼ miles, or 22 minutes, with no walking.

For the last three weeks, repeat the same exercise 3 times per week.

Week 7

Jog 2½ miles, or 25 minutes

Week 8

Jog 2¾ miles, or 28 minutes

Week 9

Jog 3 miles, or 30 minutes

Safety tips for runners

General ways to practice safety while running include:

Run with a friend or running group.Run on familiar routes, during the daytime when people are around.If running in the street, go against traffic.Bring a phone and a form of identification.If running at night, wear bright or reflective gear.