Eight week schedule to get round 5k

This schedule is aimed at the beginner who has been running for a little while and now wants to experience a fun run or race over 5km.

The best way to build up to this is to run with a group where there is a qualified leader to advise and other runners to help get you out of the door. (It is always easier to get out for a run when you have arranged to meet other people!) To find a group near to you get in touch with jogscotland or RunTogether

However, if it isn't possible to join a running group the training schedule below will slowly build your endurance so that you can get around a 5km run. Before you start you need to get along to your GP for a health check and to ask if you are okay to go into the programme which has you running 5 days per week. Once you are on the programme you must listen to your body and have another check up if anything is hurting or if you feel unwell. Having said that, it would be quite unusual not to feel at least some aching in the muscles at the start of the programme but you need to know whether this is temporary, tired muscles or the start of an injury. You should do supplementary work to keep yourself injury free. This includes stretching, massage and strengthening exercises. Look for tips on the runrobustly section of runbritain. You should also endeavour to do much of your training off road - on grass, gravel or dirt as these surfaces are far more forgiving than tarmac and so you will have less shock going through your joints. It would be worth investing in a pair of trail shoes for these runs as they will give you the grip and protection you need for uneven ground.

All runs shoudl be done at an easy or 'comfy' pace. If feeling very tired break up comfy running with short walking breaks.

From original article by Jackie Newton, UKA endurance coach.

While runbritain does not take every care to help readers with training, diet and injuries, they, nor their contributors, can accept responsibility for illness or injury caused as a result of advice given.