Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.
So you’ve made the decision to take up running and train for a marathon – congratulations! The first race you’ll more than likely want to train for will be a 5K, which is just over 3 miles. It may feel slightly intimidating to run more than 3 miles all at once, but by following a few pieces of advice you’re sure to have all the faith and confidence you need to get to the finish line.
Before you get started it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure you’re healthy enough to begin training. Once you’ve got the go head, there’s nothing stopping you from getting started and making running that 5K a reality.
When you’re a new runner, the variety of shoes and other gear available can be completely overwhelming and confusing. The most important thing to remember though is actually something very simple – comfort is key. When you put on a pair of running shoes, they should feel good on your feet. While there may be a little bit of break in required, any shoe that hurts or feels uncomfortable should definitely be avoided. Whilst it’s tempting just to buy a cheap pair of running shoes online, it’s always best to visit a local running store where they can give you a gait analysis.
You’re almost at your most enthusiastic when you first start training, but there comes a point where that enthusiasm will fade. When this happens you need to have a plan in place to stay focused and motivated through the rough patches. Scheduling your workouts in a way that is realistic and accessible will give you the best chance at running a successful race. It may seem obvious, but scheduling your runs in a way that will work best for you is absolutely key. If you’re not a morning person, don’t schedule runs for 5.30am. If you’re stuck at work late most days, maybe try a lunch run. Whatever time works best for you, schedule it in your phone and make that run non-negotiable.
It may be a lot easier to say than to do, but staying motivated is the only way you will stay on track. You simply can’t rely on sheer willpower alone, you need goals to keep looking forward to and targets to keep hitting. I’ve written a whole post on how to stay motivated to give you some tips and ideas.
There are loads of beginner to 5K training plans out there, and they can be really effective. Plans vary in length, with the longer ones lasting around 16 weeks. The longer plans are sometimes better, as they give you ample time to build up gradually to a strong and successful 5K, and there’s no reason to rush it. Over on my Pinterest page I’ve put together a board filled with different types of training plans. This one from Map My Fitness is particularly great for a first training plan.
Good luck on your 5K journey!
Mohsin Salya
