5 km and 3 mile Training Plan for Beginners and 8 week Half Marathon Plan


Five kilometres (3 miles) is the ideal race distance for a new runner - representing a challenge and realistic goal to get you started. Many first-timers begin with the 5km event, so you won't feel out of your depth or intimidated because there are no new or inexperienced runners in the race. So choose an event that matches your schedule.

Get started using these simple training plans for short races and Half marathons
Get started using these simple training plans for short races and Half marathons. Source: Public Domain
Fun runs are a great way to start running and build towards competitions
Fun runs are a great way to start running and build towards competitions. Source: Public Domain

Five kilometres (3 miles), 8-Week Plan

Five kilometres (3 miles) is the ideal race distance for a new runner - representing a challenge and realistic goal to get you started. Many first-timers begin with the 5km event, so you won't feel out of your depth or intimidated because there are no new or inexperienced runners in the race. So choose an event that matches your schedule.

This eight-week training program is will take you from a novice to being able to comfortably run 5km (3 miles) without stress or strain. The program includes several staged mini-events with a 5km walk in week 1, a 5km run/walk during week 4 and the two 2.5km sessions during week 6. These sessions are designed to help you become familiar with the 5km distance. These trials build confidence and awareness so that you can pace yourself and know what to expect on race day. There are two 5 km 8-week training schedules as well as a schedules for a running and walking a half-marathon. This is the next distance with regular events available that you can train for.

The 5 km training schedule includes walking breaks that are used to help you ease you way into running. The times and distances gradually increase the distance to build fitness and aerobic capacity. This combination of walk-and-run sessions and intervals has been shown to work well for new runners. As you progress, the time spent running increases and the walking time decreases helping you to progress to continuous running over longer distances and for longer times.

The second training plan for the 5km and 3 miles is designed to build up to the stage where you can run continuously for about 30 minutes (about 3km or 2 miles) at a relaxed and slow pace. Once you have achieved this level of fitness, it is much easier to do more.

Key points to assess BEFORE you start the 8-Week Program.

If you are over 40 years of age, very unfit, or considerably overweight it is wise to get a check-up with your doctor. You need to deal with any known health risks that may arise from the program.

Schedule your workouts so that you make time for them. Put them in your daily appointment planner or app and make sure that you follow the schedule. If you have to miss a session it is easy to catch up by simply moving on to the next day. Missing several sessions will not mean you have to start again. Allow an extra week or two before your first scheduled race to cover injuries, sickness, mishaps and other commitments.

Learn to expect bad days, and days when you feel tired and unenthusiastic. Everybody has these down days, but they generally pass quickly, especially if you have a good nights sleep and relax. Your performance and tolerance of the effort will improve in time. So stick with the schedule and program, but don't become obsessive about it.

Don't rush and don't be tempted to overdo it and extend the time and length of the training sessions unless you are very confident that you can handle it. When training in getting fit, rushing and over-exertion leads to injuries, over-tiredness, discouragement and can destroy motivation. Be patient, listen to your body and work through the ups and downs at the slow and steady rate of the schedule. The first goal is to simply run continuous for 30 minutes, not to set any speed records or pace extremes.

To build your energy levels up for your sessions, eat piece of fruit or a healthy energy bar about 1-2 hours before your session. About 45-60 minutes before the session drink about 1-2 cups of a sports drink. This will ensure that you are completely hydrated, and ready for a healthy workout. 

Always walk for 2 to 4 minutes as a warm up before each workout session. Walk about the same length of time to cool down after the session. The warm up and cool down is probably better than extreme stretching before running, but a gentle stretch is probably a good idea Stretching Exercises Before a Run or Workout May NOT Reduce Injuries.

Position your arms comfortably in a natural position at your sides and always aiming for maximum relaxation and comfort ahead of poses and exaggerated are actions. Bend your arms at a the elbows to an angle of 90 degrees. Move your arms backwards and forwards in a smooth action at your waist. Keep your fingers in a relaxed and comfortable grasp. 

In warm weather apply sunscreen, use a hat or cap and wear sunglasses to keep the sun off your face. Slow down when its hot and particular when humid as well. Take frequent breaks and drink lots of water or energy drinks during the run and at the end. Run in the late evening or early morning if possible.

Make sure you skip your walking and running sessions occasionally by doing cross-training workouts instead. Try going for bike ride for 20-30 minutes, try an elliptical workout at the gym, or even some weight-training. The variation will refresh you, and will exercise you muscles in different ways. 

New runners often have problems with shin splints or sore knees. Most of these problems can be relieved by treating with ice packs immediately after the workout session. Apply bag of ice or frozen peas on your knees or shins for 15 minutes. Take one or two days as a break before returning your training program.

Try to run in parks, along tracks and bike trails, around lakes, and in other scenic areas, rather than along bust roads. 

How to follow the 5 km, 3 mile program successfully

8 Weeks Half - Marathon Plan ( see below )

The half marathon is a friendly challenge and a step-up for those who have progressed as beginners from 5 km (3 mile) to 10 km (6 mile) races and fun-runs. Many experienced and beginners like to step up to running half marathons, because it is not as extreme as a full 26-mile marathon and the recovery is easier and less time consuming. You can use several half marathon races for working up to full marathons if your training goes well. Knowing your time for the half marathon distance provides a good estimate of what to you can expect for the full marathon. The pace is similar and so the marathon is likely to take 2-3 ties as long, after a lot of extra training.

All you need to do to progress from 5 km (3miles) to a half marathon is to schedule an 8-12 weeks training program about four months before to your planned first race. Below is a plan and training schedule for a Half Marathon.

Walking a Half Marathon

Walkers can also compete in Half-Marathon events and take on longer walks at more strenuous speed. The secret is consistency and making walking a regular and enjoyable part of your daily routine. The 12-week program shown below starts at an easy level. During the first week you only walk about half an hour on most weekdays and there are tow rest days. As the program develops, the weekday walks increase to about 45 minutes. The gradual increases allow you to adapt to the extra work without strain or exhaustion. 

The paces shown in the table for the walking Half-Marathon schedule are:

Training Schedules and Plans

5 km, 3 mile Training Plan 1

Week
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
Week 1
20 mins => 1 min walk / 1 min run
Rest
20 mins => 1 min walk / 1 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
5km walk
Rest
Week 2
24 mins => 1 min walk / 1 min run
Rest
24 mins => 1 min walk / 1 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
24 mins => 1 min walk / 2 min run
Rest
Week 3
30 mins => 1 min walk / 2 min run
Rest
30 mins => 1 min walk / 2 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
28 mins => 1 min walk / 3 min run
Rest
Week 4
32 mins => 1 min walk / 3 min run
Rest
32 mins => 1 min walk / 3 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
5km walk / run
Rest
Week 5
36 mins => 1 min walk / 5 min run
Rest
36 mins => 1 min walk / 5 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
35 mins => 1 min walk / 6 min run
Rest
Week 6
36 mins => 1 min walk / 8 min run
Rest
36 mins => 1 min walk / 8 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
2.5km run / walk 2 mins / 2.5km run
Rest
Week 7
40 mins => 1 min walk 9 min run
Rest
40 mins => 1 min walk / 9 min run
Rest
Cross-training/strength workout
39 mins => 1 min walk / 12 min run
Rest
Week 8
44 mins => 1 min walk 10 min run
Rest
Cross-training / strength workout
Rest
20 mins => 5 min walk / 10 min run / 5 min walk
Rest
5km, 3 mile run

5 km, 3 mile Training Plan 2

Week
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
Week 1
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 1 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 1 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 1 min
Run 1 min
 
 
Walk 2 min
 
Walk 2 min
 
Walk 2 min
Walk 2 min
 
 
Repeat 10X
 
Repeat 10X
 
Repeat 10X
Repeat 10X
 
Week 2
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 2 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 3 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 4 min
Run 4 min
 
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
 
Repeat 10X
 
Repeat 7X
 
Repeat 6X
Repeat 6X
 
 
 
 
Run 2 min
 
 
 
 
Week 3
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 5 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 5 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run6 min
Run 6 min
 
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
 
Repeat 5X
 
Repeat 5X
 
Repeat 4X
Repeat 4X
 
 
 
 
 
 
Run 2 min
Run 2 min
 
Week 4
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 8 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 9 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 10 min
Run 11 min
 
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
 
Repeat 3X
 
Repeat 3X
 
Repeat 2X
Repeat 2X
 
 
Run 3 min
 
 
 
Run 8 min
Run 6 min
 
Week 5
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 12 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 13 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 14 min
Run 15 min
 
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
 
Repeat 2X
 
Repeat 2X
 
Repeat 2X
Run 14 min
 
 
Run 4 min
 
Run 2 min
 
 
 
 
Week 6
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 16 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 17 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 18 min
Run 19 min
 
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
 
Run 13 min
 
Run 12 min
 
Run 11 min
Run 10 min
 
Week 7
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
 
Run 20 min
Run 20 min
Run 22 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 24 min
Run 26 min
 
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
 
Run 9 min
Run 9 min
Run 7 min
 
Run 5 min
Run 3 min
 
Week 8
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Walk
Run & Walk
Rest
5 km, 3 mile Run
 
Run 27 min
Run 20 min
Run 28 min
Walk easy 30 min
Run 29 min
 
 
 
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
Walk 1 min
 
Walk 1 min
 
 
 
Run 2 min
Run 9 min
Run 1 min
 
 
 
 

8-Week Half-Marathon Training Schedule

Week
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
Week 1
30 mins easy
Rest / cross-train
30 mins => 2 mins easy 3 mins fast x6
Rest
40 mins =>10 mins steady 10 mins tempo x 2
Rest
10km run
Week 2
30 mins easy
Rest / cross-train
30 mins => 2 mins easy 4 mins fast x5
Rest
45 mins => steady off-road / hilly run
Rest
12km run
Week 3
35 mins easy
Rest / cross-train
36 mins => 2 mins easy 4 mins fast x6
Rest
40 mins => 10 mins steady 10 mins tempo x 2
Rest
14km run
Week 4
35 mins easy
Rest / cross-train
36 mins => 2 mins easy 4 mins fast x6
Rest
45 mins => steady off-road / hilly run
Rest
16km run
Week 5
40 mins easy
Rest / cross-train
35 mins => 2 mins easy 5 mins fast x5
Rest
45 mins => 15 mins steady 15 mins tempo 15 mins steady
Rest
18km run
Week 6
40 mins easy
Rest / cross-train
60 mins => steady off-road / hilly run
Rest
35 mins => 2 mins easy 5 min fast x5
Rest
20km run
Week 7
30 mins easy
Rest
30 mins => steady off-road / hilly run
Rest
30 mins => 5 mins steady / 20 mins tempo / 5 mins steady
Rest
10km run
Week 8
30 mins easy
Rest
20 mins => 5 mins steady / 10 mins tempo / 5 mins steady
Rest
Rest
20 mins easy
Half Marathon (21km)

8-Week Half-Marathon Walk Training Schedule

Week
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
Week 1
Rest
30 min easy
20 min stroll
30 min easy
Rest
30 min stroll
3 m easy
Week 2
Rest
30 min easy
20 min stroll
30 min easy
Rest
30 min stroll
3 m easy
Week 3
Rest
35 min easy
20 min stroll
35 min easy
Rest
20 min stroll
2 m brisk
Week 4
Rest
35 min easy
25 min stroll
35 min easy
Rest
40 min stroll
5 m easy
Week 5
Rest
35 min easy
25 min stroll
35 min easy
Rest
40 min stroll
6 m easy
Week 6
Rest
40 min easy
25 min stroll
40 min easy
Rest
30 min stroll
4 m brisk
Week 7
Rest
40 min easy
25 min stroll
40 min easy
Rest
50 min stroll
7 m easy
Week 8
Rest
40 min easy
25 min stroll
40 min easy
Rest
50 min stroll
8 m easy
Week 9
Rest
45 min easy
30 min stroll
45 min easy
Rest
30 min stroll
6 m brisk
Week 10
Rest
45 min easy
30 min stroll
45 min easy
Rest
60 min stroll
9 m easy
Week 11
Rest
45 min easy
30 min stroll
45 min easy
30 min easy
60 min stroll
10 m easy
Week 12
Rest
30 min easy
20 min stroll
30 min stroll
Rest
Rest
Half Marathon - Walk 21 km




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The beach is a great place to train and build your aerobic fitness. Source: Public Domain
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Before entering competitions it pays to using a training plan. Source: Public Domain
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How running speed affects lactate levels and the shift from aerobic to anaerobic energy production. This defines the magic pace - just before the lactate threshold. Source: Public Domain
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Lactate Threshold for Two Runners with similar VO2Max. Source: Public Domain
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VOmax - how it relates to the Lactate and Aerobic Running Thresholds. Source: Public Domain CC0
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Pace schedule examples using various criteria. Source: Public Domain
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12 Week Marathon Training Plan with Paces and Interval plan suggestions
12 Week Marathon Training Plan with Paces and Interval plan suggestions. Source: Public Domain
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