Looking to run with us?
Stepping Onward raises it's donations for those in need by running 5k, 10k, and even longer runs (like the Ragnar relay this November!). So if you want to lace up and hit the pavement with us, but have never run an event before, just take a gander at the running schedules below to get started! The running schedules below are based around an 8-week period. Feel free to switch the days listed and accommodate the schedule to your comfort.
The Beginner 5k running schedule is prepared for runners who can do light jobs for about a mile, but have trouble continuing after that point. This 8-week program will help you build speed and endurance as you prepare for your 5k event.
Runs: Runs should be performed at a moderate pace, allowing yourself a comfortable pace where you do not have to slow to a walk. As you progress through the training you will find you are able to run further and quicker as your body attunes itself.
CT: Cross-Training (CT) days should be a low-moderate activity day of biking, swimming, or maybe an athletic sport for 45 minutes.
EZ Runs: EZ Runs, every Sunday, are timed runs where you can create your own pace. Do a comfortable pace and you can run/walk/jog however you like.
Runs (Sprints): Run Sprints are shorter runs where you will want to do cycles of sprints and light jogs. An example of this would be, you start out your run at a light jog, then for an eight of a mile (1/8) you sprint, running at your top speed, before slowing to the jog again. You can also do the sprints by time, such as sprint for 30 seconds, then lightly jog for 90 seconds before repeating.
Rest: Rest days should be a low activity day, allowing your body to heal and prepare for the next run. This is very important, so don't ignore these days! Your muscles repair themselves (grow) during this rest period and without it you will not see much improvement.
Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
Rest
1.5 mile run
Rest
1.5 mile run
Rest
1.5 mile run
Rest
2
Rest
1.5 mile run
Rest
2 mile run
Rest
1.5 mile run
20min EZ run
3
Rest
2 mile run
Rest
1.5 mile run
Rest
2 mile run
20-30min EZ run
4
Rest
2 mile run
Rest
2 mile run
Rest
2 mile run
30min EZ run
5
Rest
2 mile run
CT or Rest
2.5 mile run
Rest
2 mile run
30-40min EZ run
6
Rest
2 mile run
CT or Rest
2.5 mile run
Rest
2.5 mile run
30-40min EZ run
7
Rest
3 mile run
CT or Rest
2.5 mile run
Rest
3 mile run
40min EZ run
8
Rest
3 mile run
CT or Rest
2 mile run
Rest
Rest
5k Race!
The Advanced Beginner 5k running schedule is prepared for runners who have experience running, but may have not run for a long period of time. This 8-week program will help you get back into your running form and prepare to run all those great 5k events again!
Runs: Runs should be performed at a moderate pace, allowing yourself a comfortable pace where you do not have to slow to a walk. As you progress through the training you will find you are able to run further and quicker as your body attunes itself.
CT: Cross-Training (CT) days should be a low-moderate activity day of biking, swimming, or maybe an athletic sport for 45 minutes.
EZ Runs: EZ Runs, every Sunday, are timed runs where you can create your own pace. Do a comfortable pace and you can run/walk/jog however you like.
Runs (Sprints): Run Sprints are shorter runs where you will want to do cycles of sprints and light jogs. An example of this would be, you start out your run at a light jog, then for an eight of a mile (1/8) you sprint, running at your top speed, before slowing to the jog again. You can also do the sprints by time, such as sprint for 30 seconds, then lightly jog for 90 seconds before repeating.
Rest: Rest days should be a low activity day, allowing your body to heal and prepare for the next run. This is very important, so don't ignore these days! Your muscles repair themselves (grow) during this rest period and without it you will not see much improvement.
Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
Rest
1.5 mile run
CT
1 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
2 mile run
30min EZ run
2
Rest
2 mile run
CT
1.5 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
2 mile run
30min EZ run
3
Rest
2 mile run
CT
1.5 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
2.5 mile run
30min EZ run
4
Rest
2.5 mile run
CT
1.5 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
2.5 mile run
35-40min EZ run
5
Rest
2.5 mile run
CT
2 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
3 mile run
35-40min EZ run
6
Rest
3 mile run
CT
2 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
3.5 mile run
40min EZ run
7
Rest
3.5 mile run
CT
2 mile run (Sprints)
Rest
4 mile run
40min EZ run
8
Rest
3 mile run
CT
2 mile run
Rest
Rest
5k Race!
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