5 Weeks to a 5k

Guess what?
January is over.
(How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along?)

Maybe you haven’t been as active as you hoped and you need some extra motivation, or perhaps you’ve just put in four solid weeks of resolution-busting intensity and you’re looking for a way to prove yourself. In either case, a springtime 5K is a good test of your fitness.

In many cities, the annual St. Patrick’s Day run marks the beginning of the running season. It often precedes or follows a parade, so you’ve usually got a crowd of people there looking for an excuse to cheer. There’s often beer at the finish (you’ve got to replace all the carbs you lost in the race somehow.) Sometimes it’s free. Frequently, it’s green.

I’m sure you’re thinking this all sounds great, but the bad news is that St. Patrick’s Day is merely five and a half weeks away. If you’ve been running all January, you’re right on track. If not, you can still have a great time without embarrassing yourself.

Here’s a 5 week plan for beginners that will have you crossing the finish line with a smile – no matter how long it takes.

“3x” and “2x” mean do whatever is between the parentheses 3 times or 2 times respectively.  Make sure you rest or perform only easy cross training on the 3 non-running days. Good luck!

Popular St. Patrick’s Day Runs:

• Shamrock 5K
  – Baltimore, MD
• St Paddy’s 5K Run/Walk
  – Chicago, IL
• Grand Prix of Running 5K on St. Patrick’s Day
  – Colorado Springs, CO
• Tour de Patrick
  – A series of 3 races around New England