Learning about Training for a 5K Race

Dec 1
08:05

2008

Jenny Jenkins

Jenny Jenkins

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5K Running is becoming very popular. Learn about training for a 5K Race.

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A lot of people wake up in one fine morning and decide they want to run. The know a sprint won’t give them the exercise they want. 10k and above are frightening distances to cover and most folks don’t have the courage to attempt it from the get go. But 5k (or 3 miles if that sounds more reasonable) is something most people think they can achieve easily. As a matter of fact they usually can,Learning about Training for a 5K Race Articles if the go about it the right way.

 

Most people start running because of health or weight concerns. Maybe your doctor told you that you need more exercise. The problem is that everyone wants to start running the full 5k from day one or thereabouts. It never works and trying it will result in a rebelling body, with aches, pains, sprains and a feeling of dejection when they see how little ground they are actually able to cover. This often results in people getting turned off and giving up the idea of running. Its sad, because not only are they missing out on a great form of exercise, but also on a great deal of fun and a sense of personal achievement.

 

The best way to start is to find a good beginners’ training program to follow. There are books and websites aplenty offering such programs. When choosing a program be objective about your body and its condition and try a find a program that will enable you to start off at a comfortable level. Stay away from those that promise miracle results in a short time. The only result you can expect from these is the rebelling body mentioned above. Getting into shape for 5k running will take about 2 to 3 months, depending on your age and general condition. Don’t try to rush it. Your aim is to run the distance, not see how fast you have reached the level of running it.

 

Whatever program you choose, stick to it and don’t try to skip steps to speed things up. The plans will have been designed taking a lot of factors into consideration and even if you feel super fit when completing a step and think you can jump ahead one or two, don’t. If your body has not been prepared and conditioned, your progress through theses stages will be slow and perhaps painful. If you find a program does not suit you for any reason, find another more to your liking and try that.

 

Begin slowly and regularly. Remember that you should not train more than 5 days a week – your body needs rest to develop, which it can’t do while it is constantly being exercised. At the same time, don’t give in to the lazy urge and start taking extra days off. That too will ruin our training schedule.

 

Don’t expect great results from day one. Your body has first ot be conditioned to accept the training it will be undergoing and most programs are designed keeping this in mind. Follow a program without deviation and only when you are about half way through it should you look at yourself and your running abilities to see how much you have progressed. Expecting too much too soon will only lead to disappointment.

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