PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE OF THE FULL TRAINING PLAN.

TO PURCHASE THE FULL PLAN, PLEASE HEAD TO OUR WEBSHOP: https://riak.fitness/product-category/training-plan/

This 5k Builder plan is designed for someone essentially starting from scratch or a low fitness level, looking to get into consistent running with the initial goal of running a 5k.

The plan is 12-weeks long and it is anticipated that at the end of it you would complete a 5k, perhaps a ParkRun, but that 5k be about completion rather than racing. If you are looking for a 5k race preparation plan, please see our 5k Preparation Plan in the RIAK shop.

THE PLAN
Unfortunately, we see a number of ‘couch to 5k’ plans out there that ramp far too quickly. If you are new to running or are keen to get into it but have little experience, it is really important you see it as a long-term project and avoid ramping your training beyond that set in this plan.

Ramp your training too quickly or add in intensity too quickly, and there will be a big risk that you’ll pick up an injury or at the very least, lose motivation because your training isn’t sustainable.

Our 5k Builder plan is designed for those with little running fitness and seeks to develop them at a rate that allows their body to adapt properly to the training stimulus. Your aerobic fitness might improve quicker than the plan ramps up, but your soft tissue (ligaments, tendons) and bone density is unlikely to. Take it from the experts, give your body time to adapt!

However, the goal of this plan is that by the end, if you have followed it consistently and respected the recovery protocols, you will be able to run 5k comfortably. From there, you might want to consider our 5k Race Preparation plan if your goal is to then get faster.

Alongside a conservative run volume ramp, it is also important that you do everything you can to mitigate the risk of injury because first getting back into training is when you are at your highest risk of injury. Below are links to stretch routine videos you can use:

Dynamic Stretch Routine - this is to be used once you get to Week 3 of the plan after the run warm-up:
https://riak.fitness/dynamic-stretch-routine/

Static Stretch Routine - this is to be used after EVERY run session: https://riak.fitness/post-cycle-run-stretch-routine/

In addition to regular stretching, it is important you also follow an appropriate strength training routine to help mitigate the injury risk.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED?
In order to follow these plans, you will need at least a free Training Peaks account.

To perform the strength plan, you will need a couple of pieces of kit:
- a resistance band;
- a miniband (or simply tie the resistance band round your legs; and
- a single light dumbbell or similarly weighted object from around the house (1-3kg is probably enough).

If you don't have any of the above, there are things around the house that might make suitable alternatives, as this video demonstrates: https://youtu.be/nRuOswyBsbc

We would recommend purchasing a Training Peaks premium subscription for the duration of this plan to enable you to move your sessions around to suit (within the recommendations above) and so that you can more easily interpret and collate your data in-line with the instructions in this plan.

Otherwise, best of luck with the plan and please ensure you look after yourself and don’t take any unnecessary risks with your safety, health or mental well-being.