Have you made it one of your fitness goals to run a 5K this year? If so, you are going to want to start training now so that you can do your very best. Even though a 5K is only 3.1 miles, it isn’t easy to compete in the race. Plunkett Fitness is here to help you get ready to run in your first ever 5K with these simple tips!
If you haven’t ever done a 5K, you may think that this an impossible feat. With a specialized training regimen, it can quickly become a manageable task that you may come to enjoy—even if you aren’t much of a runner right now. Here are our tips for you!
Pre-Race Training
For your first 5K race, you want to show up prepared. To do this, you need to get into a routine that prepares you for what you will have to face during the race. First, set a goal for yourself. Pick a 5K that is at least a few weeks away and give yourself the time to train and prepare for it.
If you haven’t ever been much of a runner, it is a good idea to start slowly. In fact, it may be a good idea to start by walking and slowly build up to a run-walk and finally a jog. You should always listen to your body, so if running is too much at first, that’s fine. Take it all at your own pace.
No matter what your running experience level is, you should always start with at least five minutes of walking as a warm-up. At the end of the workout, do another five minutes of walking as a cool down.
If you haven’t been running prior to your training, start with just 20 minutes of walking each day. When you feel like you are able, add in some running. You may want to do intervals where you start out with just 30 seconds of running followed by power-walking for at least double the amount of time you are running. During this power-walk, you should give yourself time to catch your breath. Each day, try to add a little more time running and a little less walking. Over time, you will see progress.
Plunkett Fitness trainers recommend focusing on going farther, not harder. At first, only do three runs each week. Two days a week, you should rest. On the other days, try cross-training activities like yoga, swimming, or cycling. This type of training will allow your body recover and adapt to the changes it is making.
Always remember that rest is necessary for your body to get stronger. It isn’t healthy to train every single day. Over-training could lead to injury, which could take you out of the running game for months.
You should also learn how to train comfortably. To do this, take the talk test. Are you feeling too out of breath to talk? If so, you are probably running too quickly and should slow down to a pace where you can talk without gasping for air.
Day Before the Race
Eat a healthy meal that is low in fat and contains a moderate amount of protein for dinner the night before the race. Make sure you don’t eat too late and include carbohydrates in the meal because they are easier to digest than fats.
Have everything you need for the race laid out the night before, so you are unlikely to forget anything the morning of the race. Get all your clothes, shoes, and your bib or timing chip ready, so you don’t feel rushed before the race.
Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep. It is normal to have jitters before your first race, but sleep is essential to your performance. It is best to avoid any activity the day before your race, and focus on getting all the rest you can.
Day of the Race
On the morning of the race, you need to make sure that you eat breakfast. You want to eat a simple meal, so think oatmeal and dried fruit, a sports bar, or a bagel with peanut butter. You should have tested out a couple of meals during your training to make sure that your race day breakfast won’t bother your stomach while you are running. You will also want to make sure you are hydrated before the race, so drink lots of water or a sports drink—especially if it is hot outside.
Before your race, you will want to use the restroom and do a warm up. Do a light jog for about ten minutes, and then do a few other warm-ups that you enjoy. Be sure to stretch any muscles that feel sore after the warm-up.
During the Race
When the race starts, it is important that you focus on yourself instead of your competition. Find your own pace and go! It is best to negative split your race, which means that you start out conservatively and build your pace. You want to run the second half of the race faster than the first half, which is impossible if you exert too much energy at the beginning of the race. Encourage yourself to keep going even when the race gets hard. And don’t forget to breathe!
To get professional help from an Overland Pak personal trainer, contact Plunkett Fitness at 913-390-3360 today. A Plunkett Fitness personal trainer can help you come up with a training plan that will have you ready to dominate your first 5K!
