Running a 5K: What You Need to Know

Do you have what it to takes to run 3.1 miles?

It’s Marathon Season - Thanks to Uzo Aduba completing last week’s Boston Marathon, running races has been on many of our minds. And while not all of us are prepared to run 26 miles, we may be ready for our first 5K. Here are some tips on getting started. Are you down? — Kellee Terrell(Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series)
What’s a 5K? - A 5K run is approximately 3.1 miles. If it sounds like a lot, don’t worry. For beginners this can be a great and doable challenge to step your fitness game up and to try something new. Plus, when you hit that finish line, it’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment. (Photo: JLP/Jose L. Pelaez/Corbis)
Start Slow - If you are new to running distances, clearly you have to start slow and build up over time. You have to find a 5K running schedule that you can follow to get you ready in time and to give your body enough time to adjust to running and build endurance. Try this plan for beginners.  (Photo: A. Green/Corbis)Utilize Your Phone Apps - There are some amazing apps that can help you get in 5K-shape in no time. One of my favorites: From Couch to 5K. This nine-week plan has you running three days a week and slowly builds you up from intervals of walking and jogging to being able to run the entire 3.1 miles by the end.  (Photo: Dave and Les Jacobs/Kolostock/Blend Images/Corbis)

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It’s Marathon Season - Thanks to Uzo Aduba completing last week’s Boston Marathon, running races has been on many of our minds. And while not all of us are prepared to run 26 miles, we may be ready for our first 5K. Here are some tips on getting started. Are you down? — Kellee Terrell(Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series)

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