Committing to a 5k challenge is a great way to hold yourself accountable, whether you’re running a race or not. Working your way up to running a 5k is a perfect goal for beginners and those looking to increase their mileage.
Whether you’ve signed up for a virtual 5k or are simply hoping to run longer on your own, this 5k challenge will help you run a 5k in just 30 days.
What is the 5k Challenge?
The 5k Challenge is a simple training plan that will help you run a 5k in 30 days. This month-long plan starts from just ¼ mile and helps you work up to running 3.1 miles.
With gradual increases and regular rest days, you’ll be able to increase your mileage without getting injured. This training plan increases mileage methodically in small increments to help you avoid feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with the thought of running further.
>> Download the 5k Challenge PDF for free!
5k Challenge Training Schedule
The training schedule in this 5k Challenge is simple and easy to follow. The challenge is broken down into a single run each day (apart from rest days). All you have to do is find the day and complete the run.
Throughout the challenge, mileage either increases by .25 miles (1/4 mile) or remains the same. After increasing mileage, you’ll have a chance to repeat that mileage at least two times before increasing again.
The structure of this 5k challenge will help avoid those overwhelming feelings that can come from other training plans. Rather than having a few off days and then running significantly more mileage, this training plan takes a slow and consistent approach. You’ll always feel confident and capable during the challenge.
How to Train for the 5k Challenge
Training for the 5k Challenge is easy: simply complete the scheduled run for the day each day for 30 days. However, if you’d like to enhance your experience and gain more fitness, try adding a warm up and cool down to each run.
For example, if the scheduled workout is running .5 miles, try the following:
- Warm up: 5 minute walk
- Workout: Run .5 miles
- Cool down: 5 minute walk
The simple act of adding a warm up and cool down will help improve your endurance more quickly, even if you’re only walking. Adding extra time on your feet helps improve your cardiovascular capabilities, thus increasing your stamina.
In addition, an easy warm up and cool down will help you avoid injuries as well as the aches and pains that can come with the additional mileage.
To complete the 5k Challenge, try signing up for a virtual 5k to run on your last day. A virtual 5k is a great way to finish out the challenge, make it official and earn some bling to celebrate your accomplishment.
>>Check out the best virtual running challenges of 2021!
What is the average time it takes to run a 5k?
Many beginners are eager to know how long it “should” take them to run a 5k. However, the answer varies quite widely from person to person.
There is no set time limit for completing a 5k. Some run a 5k in 20 minutes while others take 60 minutes or more to finish the 3.1 miles. The key for successfully completing this 5k challenge is to simply complete the mileage. Put in the work and continued effort and time will follow.
>> Download the 5k Challenge PDF for free!
Whether you’re hoping to work up to running your very first 5k or are ready to get back to running after taking some time off, this training schedule is a great way to do so.
In just 30 days, you’ll go from running ¼ mile to 3.1 miles without feeling overwhelmed or getting injured.
Once you’ve completed the 5k Challenge, check out this intermediate 5k Training Plan!