How to Train for a 5K + FREE Training Plans for Runners

By: Jeremy Neisser

Whether you’re looking just to cross the finish line, or break out a new personal best time, training for a 5k can be a daunting task.

It is important to understand some key principles of training so you can stay healthy, train intelligently, and reap the benefits of all your hard work when race day arrives.

Consider this article a summary of all the necessary items to consider while taking on your training, some may apply to your situation more than others, but they will all undoubtedly provide guidance and insight into topics that might be very familiar, or completely new.

Keep in mind that we also provide many free 5k training plans ranging from beginner all the way to advanced. I encourage you to check those out after familiarizing yourself with all the basic “need-to-know” tenants of 5k training.

With that said, let’s get started.

How to Train for a 5k: From Start to Finish

1. Register For A Race

This might seem like a given, but actually signing yourself up for a race might be the most important part of running or racing a 5k.

Signing up for a race usually comes with a small entry fee, so you have quite literally put your money where your mouth is and might as well start your training sessions so you can get the best out of yourself on race day (and get the biggest bang for your buck).

There are a ton of websites that list races near you. A simple Google search will deliver tons of results. 

2. Establish an Intelligent and Flexible Training Plan

• Establish the date of your race, and establish your training plan from race day backward to the present day. This may seem counterintuitive, but it gives you a realistic time frame and allows you to better account for the “key sessions” you might want to fit in during your build-up. Hopefully, you have 8-12 weeks to prepare, but if you only have something like 4-6 weeks you can still get enough training in to have a fun experience. 
• Insert volume goals first, most beginners should only increase mileage by 10% each week, more experienced athletes can be more aggressive with increases in volume. Plan to have at least one week of lower volume within your training plan so you can recover (cut volume back by 25-30% this week).
• Most beginners should really take the “just run” approach to training for their first 5k, as just the act of running 4-6 days a week can really improve fitness.
• Seasoned athletes should plan on doing 1-2 official speed and stamina workouts each week. This could range from hill repeats, faster track workouts, tempo runs, and fartleks (example workouts are listed at #6 on this list).
• Most runners should plan a 1-2 week “taper” or have rest days in the weeks leading up to the race. A taper is essentially cutting back the overall volume of running, but still maintaining the quality sessions. This will allow your body to rest and absorb the training it has done, but without losing too much fitness.

3. Wear The Right Shoes

Yet another essential point for training is to be properly fitted in a pair of running shoes that fit your individual gait and running form.

I highly recommend that beginners go to their local specialty running store and ask the employees there to take them through the “fitting process”.

These people are professionals, and will definitely get you in the right pair of shoes to take on the training ahead.

There is a chance that some of you will also want to ask about a racing or workout shoe as well. These shoes are made especially for performance and can be a little more aggressive and allow your body to store and release energy efficiently.

This will not be for everyone, so while you are at the running store make sure to ask the person helping you and have a quick conversation to see it you might be interested in getting a pair of performance shoes as well.

I am a big fan of Brooks Ghost & Adrenaline. Here are some other Brooks or Asics options if you are interested. 

4. Get to Running (Training) - Start off Easy

5. Sample Training Week Structure (Beginner & Advanced)

First, let’s quickly look at what a general training week structure might look like to a beginner/intermediate runner who is in the middle of a training block.

Keep in mind this is meant to serve as an example for someone who has already been in a training plan for at least 4-5 weeks and is adjusted to the rigors of training. Training plans come in many different ways, but this is just one example to consider.

Sample Training Week Structure (Advanced)

• Monday - AM: Easy Run + Strides, PM: Weight Training
• Tuesday - Hill Repeats/Track Speed Workout (3k-mile pace)
• Wednesday - Medium Long Run
• Thursday - AM: Easy Run + Strides, PM: Weight Training
• Friday - Tempo Run/Long Intervals (1k-mile repeats)
• Saturday - Easy Run/Off
• Sunday - Long Run (30-50% longer than a regular easy day)

6. Sample 5k Workouts (Beginner & Advanced)

So we have gone over the structure of a sample week of training for a 5k for beginners and advanced athletes, now let’s go over some possible workout examples for beginner and elite athletes.

-If you are looking for a PDF version of a good 5K training plan, here are a few options. 

Sample Workouts (Beginners)

Sample Workouts (Advanced)

• Hill Repeats: 
  • 10 x (: 60-second hills with jog down rest), 6 x (15-second hill sprints with 3 minutes rest)
  • 12 x (:60 second, :45 second, :30 second, :15 second with jog back to start for rest)
• Track Workouts:
  • 3-4 x 1 Mile at 5k pace with 3 minutes rest
  • 6-8 x 1000 meters at 5k pace with 2-3 minutes rest
  • 10-12 x 400 meters at 3k-mile pace with 1-2 minutes rest
  • 2-3 x (600 meter, 400 meter, 300 meter, 200 meter) with 400 jog rest
• Tempo / Fartlek Workouts:
  • 6 Mile Tempo Run at Half marathon-15k pace
  • 3 x 2 miles at 15k-10k race pace w/ 200 jog rest
  • 10-15 x (1-minute fast/1-minute steady rest)

7. Nutrition/Hydration

Depending on how long you plan to be out on the course for the race, you may want to consider testing out some gel or hydration products to make sure you can maintain performance throughout the race.

However, this should only be a concern if you plan to be racing for longer than 1 hour.

8. Cross Training/Strength Workouts

Keep in mind that these are all just suggestions, make sure to listen to your body, and if any of the movements hurt then stop that activity immediately

Furthermore, strength training can be a great supplement to your training program as well. It can aid in injury prevention, better form, strength, and power. If you are a total beginner to strength training, it is best to opt for bodyweight movements like pull-ups, push-ups, planks, crunches, squats, and lunges to get your body adapted to the extra rigors of these movements.

If you consider yourself more advanced and want to pick up some real weights, then some great weighted movements for runners are going to be the Goblet/Barbell Squat, Barbell Romanian Deadlift, Dumbbell Bent-Over Row, Dumbbell Shoulder Press, and Dumbell Lunges and Step-Ups.

These compound movements are going to activate a large number of your body’s muscles and give you the biggest bang for your buck with your time in the gym.

Aim to lift twice a week, split these movements up between these days, and aim for 3 sets of 6-10 repetitions on each movement with moderate weight. Take however much rest you feel that you need, but a good rule of thumb will be 1-3 minutes between each set.

9. Prepare for Race Day - Tapering, Less is More

We talked about tapering for your race a little earlier on in the article, but it is worth repeating that taking 10-14 days of backing off the overall volume of your training leading up to the race day will be a good option for most runners.

When combined with maintaining your usual quality workouts, most will be feeling a little sharper both physically and mentally.

This decrease in volume will allow your body to adapt and super compensate from all of the training you have been doing for the last 1-3 months, and it should give you a small mental refocus if you have needed that as well.

Keep in mind that a taper is not for everyone, and it does not guarantee an amazing performance on race day. Some runners have a tendency to feel “flat” if they pull back on the training.

So if it is your first time racing a 5k, just make sure to listen to your body’s signals and pay attention to how your legs are feeling on those last couple of runs.

10. Race Day

This is what it has all been leading up to, race day!

Try not to do anything special or different the morning of your race. If your race is in the morning and you are used to eating before a run, then eat a light and familiar breakfast that can fuel your performance without sitting too heavy in your stomach, best to get it in at least 90 minutes - 2 hours before you plan to begin your warm-up for the race.

Speaking of warming up, make sure to keep it pretty similar to what you would do on a workout day within your training program. This usually includes an easy 5-15 minute jog, dynamic stretching, and some strides on the starting line.

Try not to warm up too early before your race, as your body will cool down pretty quickly and you might start your race feeling tight again. Conversely, try not to leave your warm-up too late either, as you will be stressed and rushing to the start line.

Aim to be warmed up around 5-10 minutes before the start of your race, and don’t be afraid to do an extra stride or two within 5 minutes of the start.

Another race day point to consider is the bathroom. There tend to be pretty substantial lines at these local races (and even longer lines at big races), so make sure to take this into account when planning your warm-up and race time.

All that is left to do is listen for the starting sound and go race!

Do not be afraid to start out a little slower than your planned 5k race pace, and if you are caught up behind a bunch of people try not to use up too much energy shifting around everyone.

It usually opens up completely after the first mile, so once you get there settle into your pace and get into a rhythm. You have prepared well for this and are ready to handle much of the pain you are feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How long should a beginner train for a 5K?

As a general rule, most beginner runners should train 4-6 weeks for their first race. This allows their body to be conditioned properly and build muscle needed for a 5K race. It is possible to train for a 5K race shorter than 4-6 weeks, however, the runner will not be adequately prepared for their race.  I like the general rule of running 3-4 times per week. 

2. What is the best way to train for a 5K?

As a general rule, beginner runners should start with a run/walk training plan. Most run/walk plans have walking breaks built in. This allows your body to adapt naturally to running and will help you progress to a more advanced training plan. Here are a few training plan options. 

For you advanced runners - this training program is for YOU. 

3. How do I train for a 5K if I don't run?

It is best to select a training plan designed to build up endurance, stamina and muscle memory. If you are a beginner, a walk/run plan is ideal. Here are a few training plan options. 

4. Can you run if you're overweight?

As a widely known option, you can run if you're overweight – but it might not be as easy or enjoyable as it could be. Depending on your fitness level and if you're carrying a few extra pounds, running can put added strain on your joints and muscles, making it more difficult and less enjoyable. If you're out of shape, start with just a few minutes at a time and build up your fitness gradually.

Conclusion

This covers everything you will need to know to have a fun and successful 5k training experience. Just remember when you are starting out, start with a comfortable pace. 

If you are super excited to get started but feel like you might need some extra guidance, then you can sift through an array of 5k training plans here to see if any of the options are interesting and exciting to your individual needs and constraints.

Happy Running!