Getting Up Off The Couch To 5K Running - A Quick Start Up Guide

If you're considering getting fitter and would like to go from lounging on the couch to 5k training then there are a few things you need to do first. Give some attention to the next few points before you start any 5k training program: -

#1 Give Your Body The Once Over

First things first. Make an appointment with your doctor or physiotherapist to make sure you’re in good health or you have any joint or muscular complications before you begin your training.

#2 Invest In Your Health

The bare minimum any new runner needs is at least one pair of good quality running shoes, ideally selected for you by practiced staff at a respectable running store that have the equipment to monitor your running style.

You’ll also have to do some research so you know exactly what changes you need to be seeing through your training and how and when to take your training forwards or take a step back.

Lastly it will be a big help to you if you get some running clothing such as waterproofs, gloves, shorts, thermal underwear and running socks etc.

#3 Get The Foundations Right

Start off steadily, increasing your distances little by little, making sure you can allow sufficient recovery time between runs. I advocate that you leave at least 24 - 48 hours in between very difficult runs to begin with, but more if you need it.

If you plainly are going from the couch to 5k training and can’t run at all to begin with then you must begin by power walking until you’re able to jog easily, from then on you can push yourself a little faster. Running 3 times a week is usually enough to start seeing improvements in your fitness levels.

To find out more about going from the couch to 5k running, I would endorse ‘5k Training For Beginners.’ It’s one of the most effective 5k training schedules for beginners offered on the internet, perfect for anyone that wants to master how to run a 5k race in the fastest possible time.

Would You Like To Go From Couch Potato To 5K Runner?

Have you ever watched a running race and thought to yourself how terrific it would feel to go from ‘couch potato to 5k’ runner, then take heart, with a little dedication and the appropriate type of training, you absolutely can do it.

The secret is to begin little by little, by gradually improving the distances and pace you run at. No one has ever gone from couch potato to 5k runner without any training or practice, they just trained consistently and followed a regular 5k training schedule, consistently taking the steps required to enhance their fitness up to the point where they could easily run 3.1 miles in one go without stopping.

• Initially you need to set some realistic goals. These should be a succession of less challenging goals broken down in to manageable chunks which lead up to your main aim of running a 5k race. Being able to run a set distance, eating balanced meals or running on certain days are just a few examples of specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time framed goals.
• Next you'll need the guidance of a good training schedule which you can buy one from a reputable source. ‘5K Training For Beginners’ is a first-rate choice. This schedule needs to include a section on the theory behind running so you know how your body responds to training so you can carefully avoid over training and picking up injuries.
• Thirdly your footwear has to be suitable for your running technique. Running in any old footwear may potentially cause long term injuries to joints, especially your ankles, knees and lower back.
• Lastly you need to spend time practicing. This is where most runners give up. Without knowing the changes you should be witnessing in your fitness and endurance levels you too may falter.

If you’d like to discover how much training you need to do in order to go from couch potato to 5k runner, ‘5K Training For Beginners’ will show you all you need to know. Click here for more details – couch to 5k