Couch-2-5K: An Ideal Training Plan

First you feel like dying … Then you feel reborn !!!

During the last couple of months, after discussing the Basic Running Tips for Beginnners; the discussion was advanced on the pre-requisites of the Couch to 5K training. Based on the feedback and request from a lot of friends and fellow runners, here is a plan that I followed, when I began my running journey.

The Couch to 5K is a comprehensive plan with a slow progression technique. As a beginner, you will fall into 2 categories.

• Category 1: Has never run or does not do any physical activity. Mostly on the couch or sedentary lifestyle
• Category 2: Either running about 15-20 kms a week, or playing a sport on the weekend.

In the image above, the 9 week plan is for Category 1. Category 2 runners can begin the training from Week 5 through Week 9. While the plan in theory works for 9 weeks, the adoption and progression may vary from person to person, which means that some people may progress fast and some may progress slow. It all depends on how your body takes it and how well you can devote the time to the training.

The Plan

Any running training plan needs to be a slow progression plan, where the runner focusses on building endurance slowly. The word slowly is used multiple times here. This is because you need to trust the process and focus on the training rather than work on pace and distance. The body, muscles, tendons need to slowly adapt to the mileage. This will not only help you improve distance, but will also help you achieve it injury-free and with a stronger finish.

Week 1 begins with a slow Running and Walking strategy. A couch to 5K plan needs a consistent activity for a minimum of 20-30 mins. As a Category 1 runner, you will not be able to run a full 20 mins at a stretch. If you push yourself and run those 20 mins, you may not run the next day and discontinue the plan. So in the first week do a 1 min run + 1 min walk. Run alternate days and walk the rest of the days. In week 2, increase the running time slightly. While most training plans ask you to focus on running say that you can avoid the cross training, I would suggest that you do a light cross training on the days mentioned. We will discuss in detail about cross training further in this article. Week 3 focuses on testing the limits slightly with a continous 5 minute run. This may seem very easy on paper, but for a runner who hasnt run, it is slightly difficult in person. This will test your body, your breathing and your cardio. Week 4 is expanding this time to a 10 min continuous run. Till Week 4, walk on the Sundays, with gradual progression.

From Week 5, a category 1 runner has progressed to category 2. From here on follow the plan to gradually increase the timing of running till such time that you can run non-stop for 30 mins.

It is important to understand, that you need to listen to your body. If you have some kind of pain or discomfort, learn to go slower and have a better recovery. Walk for a few days, before you can start running again. There is no time limit to this and so go slow. Focus on your breathing. It needs to be mostly through the nose. If you are opening your mouth again and again, it means that you are running very fast. Run at a slower pace. A pace where you can have a conversation with someone.

Stretching

Pre and post runs, 5 minutes of stretching is a must. There are 2 types of stretching that most beginners use. Dynamic Stretching is a movement-based type of stretching, something like a walking lunge, high knees, high kicks, Squats and many more. Pre-run dynamic stretching helps activate the muscles and loosen them a little for the run. Static Stretching involves stretching a muscle to near its furthest point and then holding the position for about 15-20 seconds. Examples would be bending over to touch your toes, stretching your hamstring and your gluteus. Post-run static stretching helps release the stress on the muscles. Muscles contract when your run and the stretching helps improve the mobility. All in all, proper stretching will help avoid injury in the long run.

Cross Training

The Cross training is an important aspect for every runner. As a couch potato or a slightly active runner, our muscles are not strong enough to carry our body weight. Cross Training not only improves fitness of these muscles but also improves the running performance gradually. Cross Training does not mean spending hours in the gym. When you cross train you can do a lot of body-weight exercises. Doing these exercises perfectly for about 15-20 mins to half hour can be very intensive. Avoid HIIT workouts as they focus a lot on cardio, and little on strength. Strength, Core, Agility, Mobility and Functional workouts are the key in all cross training. You will find a lot of videos online if you search for these keywords. Follow a regular routine, but be very sure that you are focusing on all the muscles.

Rest Days

Rest and recovery is also an important part of the process. When you run, your body undergoes a lot stress. Resting, hydration and a diet rich in nutrition helps recovery of the body faster. So as the plan suggests, rest adequately on the days suggested.

Sunday Runs

Most of us avoid sunday runs and prefer to do the longer runs during weekdays. This is a personal choice. However, the idea of sunday long runs is that your body is relaxed on a holiday. We normally have more time on this day. During the Couch to 5k plan, you may not really see the benefit of a sunday run. But this practice can help you in the stages furthere when you advance to a 10 K or HM or FM or Ultra Run. So it is really good to make this habit in the beginning of the process.

For any plan to succeed, it is important to trust the process. Listen to your body and see how it reacts to each week. Learn to give it enough rests and proper nutrition and energy. While 5K is just the beginning, you need to enjoy it in order to advance further and make running a habit.

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!