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5K Training Guide for Runners

This document is a comprehensive guide on training for a 5K race, authored by coach Greg McMillan. It outlines essential factors for success, including mental toughness, VO2max, lactate threshold speed, lactic acid tolerance, and proper pacing, along with various training strategies and plans. The guide also includes pace charts and sample training plans to help runners prepare effectively for their race.

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marcusjhay01
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
32 views27 pages

5K Training Guide for Runners

This document is a comprehensive guide on training for a 5K race, authored by coach Greg McMillan. It outlines essential factors for success, including mental toughness, VO2max, lactate threshold speed, lactic acid tolerance, and proper pacing, along with various training strategies and plans. The guide also includes pace charts and sample training plans to help runners prepare effectively for their race.

Uploaded by

marcusjhay01
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

How to

train
for a 5K
The ultimate guide from
the World’s #1 Coach
WR IT T EN BY GRE G MCMIL L A N
Let’s get
you ready
to run a
faster 5K.

2 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 The Factors for Success

14 5K Pace Chart (min/mile)

16 5K Pace Chart (min/km)

18 Sample 5K Plan

24 Better Prep Improves Your Chances

25 Final Thoughts & FAQs

26 First Training Plan - Special Offer

3 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


The Factors for Success

The 5K is one of those race distances that requires a


balance of endurance, stamina, speed and sprint – the
four training zones – but definitely leans toward the
speed side of things. It also requires a hefty amount of
mental toughness. Below, let’s look at how I will train you
for the 5K.

It doesn’t matter if you’re at the front,


middle or back of the pack in a 5K, the
factors for success are similar. You’re
going to need enough endurance for 15-
30 minutes of all out running.

You’re going to need enough stamina


to run fast for that amount for time and
you’re going to need enough speed to
make 5K pace feel easier despite a high
amount of suffering late in the race.

Add to that the opportunity to gain a few


precious seconds with a big sprint over
the last 400-800 meters, and you’ll cap off
your preparation with some leg speed and
sprint training. But before we get to the
training, let’s look at the factors that lead
to a fast 5K.

4 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Factor #1: Mental Toughness

I cannot say enough about this factor. While we love to talk about the
physical training, a lot of 5K training is to condition your mind to the
extreme mental suffering that occurs in the second half of a fast 5K. It’s
just a really hard race when you are fatigued from the duration, fatigued
from the stress on the lactate threshold and VO2max systems and
fatigued from lactic acid build-up as the body works hard to provide
energy.

As a result, you need to be one tough runner to really nail a fast 5K. I’ve
seen it in the pros I coach as well as everyday runners like you and me.
If you have a strong mind, particularly in the second half, you can battle
the fatiguing feelings your brain is throwing at you instead of what
many runners do and that is slow down later in the race.

Lactate The lactate threshold is the speed at which your production


of lactic acid is greater than your body’s ability to clear it. For
Threshold most runners, the lactate threshold is approximately one-
hour race pace.
LEARN MORE >

VO2max VO₂ max is the maximum volume of oxygen your body can
consume while running at your hardest, typically measured
at your fastest sustainable pace over ~ 8-10 minutes. It’s
LEARN MORE >
a crucial indicator of your aerobic fitness and endurance
capabilities as a runner.

5 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Factor #2: VO2max

The 5K stresses a key physiological variable called VO2max. VO2max


is the maximum (that’s the “max” part) volume (that’s the “v” part) of
oxygen (that’s the “O2” part) that you can utilize while running. A higher
VO2max means you can take in and utilize more oxygen. Improving your
VO2max nearly always results in a big improvement in your 5K time just
like an improvement in your lactate threshold does.

Note: Your VO2max is usually around your 8-10 minute race


pace. (See the vVO2 pace in the [Link]
Calculator for an estimate of your VO2max pace.)

Workouts in the Speed Zone of the McMillan Calculator work to improve


your VO2max. (You’ll see those in the Training Paces section of the
calculator.) Experienced runners call these workouts Speed or

VO2max workouts and they are tough because they challenge you to
work at your maximum oxygen consumption. These are also mentally
tough workouts as well and that is extremely helpful in getting ready for
a fast 5K.

6 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Another great benefit to speed zone (aka VO2max) training is that 5K
goal pace lies within the zone. The speed zone extends from 5-minute
to 25-minute race pace so no matter if you are really speedy at the 5K or
not, running at your goal pace will also provide a boost to your VO2max.

Like preparing for any race, the more you can practice and get
comfortable at your goal pace, the better. My training plans include this
goal pace running as well as the other speed workouts, so you arrive
ready to perform your best.

7 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Factor #3: Lactate Threshold Speed

It is critically important for a fast 5K that you have a very fast lactate
threshold speed. As you run faster and faster, you produce more and
more lactic acid. While your body has mechanisms to deal with lactic
acid (called the lactate shuttle and buffering system), at a certain
speed, you produce more than you can remove, and the acid begins
to build up. This is called the lactate threshold – the point where your
production of lactic acid outpaces your ability to remove it. A buildup of
acid interferes with performance and leads to early fatigue.

You’ve probably experienced this where running just a bit too fast and
you suddenly are breathing much faster and fatigue comes early. That’s
because you’ve crossed your lactate threshold.

Note: The lactate threshold is usually around your one-hour


race pace. (See the vLT pace in the [Link]
Calculator for an estimate of your lactate threshold pace.)

5K race pace is faster than your lactate threshold pace for most runners.
As a result, lactate threshold training (aka Stamina Zone training)
becomes very, very important for 5K success. Boost your lactate
threshold speed and you’ll improve your 5K time. Period.

If you’re an experienced runner, then you’re familiar with the ever-


popular tempo run – a continuous run lasting 15-40 minutes performed
right at your lactate threshold. Tempo runs result in pushing your
lactate threshold speed faster. While you can certainly do tempo runs
exclusively, I actually propose training the lactate threshold with a full-
spectrum approach – some workouts slightly slower than, some at and
some slightly faster than your lactate threshold.

8 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


The lactate threshold is what I studied in graduate school and I found in
my research (and in my coaching over the last 30 years) that this variety
in stamina workouts leads to better results, more fun and less boredom
than just doing tempo run after tempo run.

As you can see in your training paces from the


McMillan Calculator, I recommend four types of
stamina workouts.

1.
Steady state runs are continuous runs at a pace that is
slightly slower than your lactate threshold. These runs work great
for runners who need more stamina for the second half of a 5K.

2. Next is the tempo run as previously mentioned. Tempo runs are


run right at your lactate threshold.

Then comes tempo intervals. Tempo intervals are like slightly faster

3.
tempo runs but you intersperse recovery jogs since you are running
slightly faster than your threshold. The recovery jogs are short
but because you are slightly faster than your threshold, you really
trigger the body to improve your lactate threshold speed.

Lastly, there are cruise intervals, one of my favorites for 5K runners.

4.
Popularized by legendary coach, Jack Daniels, cruise intervals (also
called Critical Velocity by some coaches) are run slightly faster
than tempo intervals with again, short recovery intervals. Cruise
intervals are especially good for runners new to stamina training or
who struggle with long, continuous running.

9 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


McMillan Training Zone Graph

10 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


I find that by training across the stamina zone range, you get more
efficient at running near your lactate threshold (the steady state runs
and tempo runs) and you push your threshold much higher (the tempo
intervals and cruise intervals). The result is an athlete that is very, very
prepared to race the 5K.

One last note if you are new to stamina zone workouts. The goal in the
workout is to fatigue yourself with the duration of the workout, not the
speed. This is different than in speed workouts where you more often
work to fatigue yourself with the speed of the workout.

For the 5K, I find it is much better to run on the slow end for the pace
range and to do more volume in the workout than it is to run faster but
shorter. The 5K, even though short compared to a half-marathon, is still
a long race so getting used to sustained efforts over a long time will
serve you well on race day.

11 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Factor #4: Lactic Acid Tolerance

One reason that runners slow late in the race is because lactic acid
is continually building up in the muscles. As a result, improving your
ability to tolerate lactic acid is another key factor in 5K success.
Luckily, lactic acid tolerance is easy to improve.

You simply do workouts where you flood the body with lactic acid, then
recover while the body removes it then you do it again (and again and
again).

These lactic acid tolerance sprint workouts are tough, but many runners
also find them fun. I’ll go into more detail in the training section below.

Factor #5: Proper Pacing

The fifth factor is proper pacing. Because the 5K is run at a pace faster
than your lactate threshold, you need to pace yourself well. Otherwise,
you’ll build up too much lactic acid too soon and fatigue before the end
of the race.

I find that an even split (same pace for the first half and second half in
your 5K) is the best strategy. To help you with that, I have a special goal
pace workout sequence that I’ll have you do. It works great to help you
dial in your best 5K pace, so you make sure you get the most from every
race opportunity.

While pace practice is key for dialing in pace. Another great racing tip is

12 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


the Go Zone Method. This works very, very well for the 5K. Make sure
you get familiar with and practice Go Zone Racing (and here is my
article on it).

13 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


5K Pace Chart (min/mile)
Avg Pace
Finish Time
(min/mile)
1 2 3 5K

15:00 4:50 4:50 9:41 14:31 15:00

15:15 4:55 4:55 9:50 14:45 15:15

15:30 5:00 5:00 10:00 15:00 15:30

15:45 5:05 5:05 10:10 15:15 15:45

16:00 5:10 5:10 10:19 15:29 16:00

16:15 5:15 5:15 10:29 15:44 16:15

16:30 5:19 5:19 10:39 15:58 16:30

16:45 5:24 5:24 10:48 16:13 16:45

17:00 5:29 5:29 10:58 16:27 17:00

17:15 5:34 5:34 11:08 16:42 17:15

17:30 5:39 5:39 11:17 16:56 17:30

17:45 5:44 5:44 11:27 17:11 17:45

18:00 5:48 5:48 11:37 17:25 18:00

18:15 5:53 5:53 11:46 17:40 18:15

18:30 5:58 5:58 11:56 17:54 18:30

18:45 6:03 06:03 12:06 18:09 18:45

19:00 6:08 06:08 12:15 18:23 19:00

19:15 6:13 06:13 12:25 18:38 19:15

19:30 6:17 06:17 12:35 18:52 19:30

19:45 6:22 06:22 12:45 19:07 19:45

20:00 6:27 06:27 12:54 19:21 20:00

20:15 6:32 06:32 13:04 19:36 20:15

20:30 6:37 6:37 13:14 19:50 20:30

20:45 6:42 6:42 13:23 20:05 20:45

21:00 6:46 6:46 13:33 20:19 21:00

21:15 6:51 6:51 13:43 20:34 21:15

21:30 6:56 6:56 13:52 20:48 21:30

21:45 7:01 7:01 14:02 21:03 21:45

22:00 7:06 7:06 14:12 21:17 22:00

22:15 7:11 7:11 14:21 21:32 22:15

22:30 7:15 7:15 14:31 21:46 22:30

14 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


5K Pace Chart (min/mile) cont.
Avg Pace
Finish Time
(min/mile)
1 2 3 5K

22:45 7:20 7:20 14:41 22:01 22:45

23:00 7:25 7:25 14:50 22:15 23:00

23:15 7:30 7:30 15:00 22:30 23:15

23:30 7:35 7:35 15:10 22:45 23:30

23:45 7:40 7:40 15:19 22:59 23:45

24:00 7:45 7:45 15:29 23:14 24:00

24:15 7:49 07:49 15:39 23:28 24:15

24:30 7:54 07:54 15:48 23:43 24:30

24:45 7:59 07:59 15:58 23:57 24:45

25:00 8:04 08:04 16:08 24:12 25:00

25:15 8:09 08:09 16:17 24:26 25:15

25:30 8:14 08:14 16:27 24:41 25:30

25:45 8:18 08:18 16:37 24:55 25:45

26:00 8:23 8:23 16:46 25:10 26:00

26:15 8:28 8:28 16:56 25:24 26:15

26:30 8:33 8:33 17:06 25:39 26:30

26:45 8:38 8:38 17:15 25:53 26:45

27:00 8:43 8:43 17:25 26:08 27:00

27:15 8:47 8:47 17:35 26:22 27:15

27:30 8:52 8:52 17:45 26:37 27:30

27:45 8:57 8:57 17:54 26:51 27:45

28:00 9:02 9:02 18:04 27:06 28:00

28:15 9:07 9:07 18:14 27:20 28:15

28:30 9:12 9:12 18:23 27:35 28:30

28:45 9:16 9:16 18:33 27:49 28:45

29:00 9:21 9:21 18:43 28:04 29:00

29:15 9:26 9:26 18:52 28:18 29:15

29:30 9:31 9:31 19:02 28:33 29:30

29:45 9:36 09:36 19:12 28:47 29:45

30:00 9:41 09:41 19:21 29:02 30:00

15 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


5K Pace Chart (min/km)
Finish Time Avg Pace (min/km) 1 2 3 4 5K

15:00 3:00 3:00 6:00 09:00 12:00 15:00

15:15 3:03 3:03 6:06 09:09 12:12 15:15

15:30 3:06 3:06 6:12 09:18 12:24 15:30

15:45 3:09 3:09 6:18 09:27 12:36 15:45

16:00 3:12 3:12 6:24 09:36 12:48 16:00

16:15 3:15 3:15 6:30 09:45 13:00 16:15

16:30 3:18 3:18 6:36 09:54 13:12 16:30

16:45 3:21 3:21 6:42 10:03 13:24 16:45

17:00 3:24 3:24 6:48 10:12 13:36 17:00

17:15 3:27 3:27 6:54 10:21 13:48 17:15

17:30 3:30 3:30 7:00 10:30 14:00 17:30

17:45 3:33 3:33 7:06 10:39 14:12 17:45

18:00 3:36 3:36 7:12 10:48 14:24 18:00

18:15 3:39 3:39 7:18 10:57 14:36 18:15

18:30 3:42 3:42 7:24 11:06 14:48 18:30

18:45 3:45 3:45 7:30 11:15 15:00 18:45

19:00 3:48 3:48 7:36 11:24 15:12 19:00

19:15 3:51 3:51 7:42 11:33 15:24 19:15

19:30 3:54 3:54 7:48 11:42 15:36 19:30

19:45 3:57 3:57 7:54 11:51 15:48 19:45

20:00 4:00 4:00 8:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

20:15 4:03 4:03 8:06 12:09 16:12 20:15

20:30 4:06 4:06 8:12 12:18 16:24 20:30

20:45 4:09 4:09 8:18 12:27 16:36 20:45

21:00 4:12 4:12 8:24 12:36 16:48 21:00

21:15 4:15 4:15 8:30 12:45 17:00 21:15

21:30 4:18 4:18 8:36 12:54 17:12 21:30

21:45 4:21 4:21 8:42 13:03 17:24 21:45

22:00 4:24 4:24 8:48 13:12 17:36 22:00

22:15 4:27 4:27 8:54 13:21 17:48 22:15

22:30 4:30 4:30 9:00 13:30 18:00 22:30

16 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


5K Pace Chart (min/km) cont.
Finish Time Avg Pace (min/km) 1 2 3 4 5K

22:45 4:33 4:33 9:06 13:39 18:12 22:45

23:00 4:36 4:36 9:12 13:48 18:24 23:00

23:15 4:39 4:39 9:18 13:57 18:36 23:15

23:30 4:42 4:42 9:24 14:06 18:48 23:30

23:45 4:45 4:45 9:30 14:15 19:00 23:45

24:00 4:48 4:48 9:36 14:24 19:12 24:00

24:15 4:51 4:51 9:42 14:33 19:24 24:15

24:30 4:54 4:54 9:48 14:42 19:36 24:30

24:45 4:57 4:57 9:54 14:51 19:48 24:45

25:00 5:00 5:00 10:00 15:00 20:00 25:00

25:15 5:03 5:03 10:06 15:09 20:12 25:15

25:30 5:06 5:06 10:12 15:18 20:24 25:30

25:45 5:09 5:09 10:18 15:27 20:36 25:45

26:00 5:12 5:12 10:24 15:36 20:48 26:00

26:15 5:15 5:15 10:30 15:45 21:00 26:15

26:30 5:18 5:18 10:36 15:54 21:12 26:30

26:45 5:21 5:21 10:42 16:03 21:24 26:45

27:00 5:24 5:24 10:48 16:12 21:36 27:00

27:15 5:27 5:27 10:54 16:21 21:48 27:15

27:30 5:30 5:30 11:00 16:30 22:00 27:30

27:45 5:33 5:33 11:06 16:39 22:12 27:45

28:00 5:36 5:36 11:12 16:48 22:24 28:00

28:15 5:39 5:39 11:18 16:57 22:36 28:15

28:30 5:42 5:42 11:24 17:06 22:48 28:30

28:45 5:45 5:45 11:30 17:15 23:00 28:45

29:00 5:48 5:48 11:36 17:24 23:12 29:00

29:15 5:51 5:51 11:42 17:33 23:24 29:15

29:30 5:54 5:54 11:48 17:42 23:36 29:30

29:45 5:57 5:57 11:54 17:51 23:48 29:45

30:00 6:00 6:00 12:00 18:00 24:00 30:00

17 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Sample 5K Plan

Now that we talked about the factors for success, let me


show you a basic sample 5K plan for an intermediate
runner.

NOTE: I have plans for all levels of 5K


runners here but want to use this
sample plan (built for an intermediate
runner) so you see how all of the factors
for success are addressed.

As you review the plan, I’ve color coded


the specialty workouts so you can see
how all of the factors for success are
addressed in my plans.

18 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Green: Goal Pace

For the 5K, I like a lot of goal pace workouts. Goal pace workouts (which
are in the speed zone for 5K runners) address three of the key factors
in 5K success. First, you get lots of practice at goal pace. Second,
you get a lot of VO2max training and third, you get a hefty dose of
mental toughness training. Also note that the goal pace workouts are
progressive so you do longer repeats as you grow stronger.

Blue: Lactate Threshold

Another key factor is improving your lactate threshold and I sprinkle in


several lactate threshold (aka stamina zone) workouts across the plan.
Note that I like variety so I include progression runs, steady state runs,
tempo runs and cruise intervals in my plans. Runners tend to like the
variety.

Pink: Leg Speed

A big part of running a fast 5K is developing fast leg turnover. Leg speed
workout help you learn to turn your legs over faster, which makes goal
pace feel easier. These workouts take very little out of you but make a
big impact in your other workouts and the race.

19 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Orange: Hill Workouts

If hills are available for the runner, I like to throw in a couple of hill
workouts. These are all-purpose sessions that improve VO2max, lactate
acid tolerance, leg strength and mental toughness. If hills are not
available, I convert these hill workouts to effort-based pace change (aka
fartlek) workouts.

Gold: Sprint Workouts

A fast 5K requires the ability to run fast even when a lot of lactic acid
builds up. Sprint workouts help you tolerate lactic acid better and work
on your finishing sprint (where you can pick up 5-10 seconds on your
time).

Purple: Time Trials

Because going out too fast in a 5K is a real performance killer, I like to


have some tune up time trials so the runner can dial in race pace. After
a couple of time trials, I find the runner then paces better in the race,
which results ina faster finish time.

Final Notes:
The other days in the week are for recovery (off, cross training or
recovery jogs), easy runs and long runs.

20 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


McMillan 5K Plan

Intermediate / Advanced (Combo Runner)

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

GP: 10-12 x
OFF, XT or OFF, XT or OFF, XT or
1 40-50min 400m w/ 40-50min LR: 70-80mins
30-45 min 40-50 min 40-50 min
200-300m jog

OFF, XT or LS: 8 x 20 sec OFF, XT or OFF, XT or


2 SS: 25-35 min 40-50min LR: 70-80mins
30-45 min w/ 1min jog 40-50 min 40-50 min

GP: 8 x 600m
OFF, XT or OFF, XT or OFF, XT or
3 40-50min w/ 300-400m 40-50min LR: 80-90mins
30-45 min 40-50 min 40-50 min
jog

OFF, XT or OFF, XT or Cl: 6-8 x 1000m OFF, XT or


4 DW 30m 40-50min LR: 80-90mins
30-45 min 40-50 min w/ 200m jog 40-50 min

PR: 70-90min
OFF, XT or OFF, XT or Hills: 6-8 x OFF, XT or
5 40-50min 50-60min w/ last 10-20
30-45 min 40-60 min 60-75 sec 40-60 min
min fast

GP: 10-12 x PR: 70-90min


OFF, XT or LS: 10 x 20 sec OFF, XT or OFF, XT or
6 400m w/ 50-60min w/ last 10-20
30-45 min w/ 1 min jog 40-60 min 40-50 min
200-300m jog min fast

PR: 70-90min
OFF, XT or OFF, XT or Hill: 8-10 x OFF, XT or
7 60-80min 50-60min w/ last 10-20
30-45 min 40-60 min 60-75 sec 40-50 min
min fast

TT: 1-1.5mi at
OFF, XT or SW: 5x200m OFF, XT or OFF, XT or
8 DW TR: 15-25 min 30-40min 5km GP or
30-45 min w/ 400m jog 30-40 min 30-40 min
RACE: 1-2MI

PR: 70-80min
OFF, XT or OFF, XT or SW: 5 x 200m OFF, XT or
9 60-80min 50-60min w/ last 10-20
30-45 min 40-60 min w/ 400m jog 40-60 min
min fast

GP: 5 x 1000m TT: 1.5-2mi at


OFF, XT or LS: 20 x 20 sec OFF, XT or OFF, XT or
10 w/ 500-600m 50-60min 5km GP or
30-45 min w/ 1 min jog 40-60 min 40-60 min
jog RACE: 1-2MI

SW: 6-8 x GP: 6-8 x


11 OFF, XT or OFF, XT or GP: 6 x 800m OFF, XT or
200m w/ 50-60min 400m w/
Peak 30-45 min 40-60 min w/ 400m jog 40-60 min
400m jog 200-300m jog

12 OFF, XT or GP: 5 x 400m OFF, XT or FR: 6-8 x 1min OFF, XT or


20-30min RACE: 5km
Peak 30-45 min w/ 200m jog 40-60 min w/ 1 min jog 40-60 min

21 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


McMillan 5K Plan

Key

CI Cruise Intervals
DW Down Weak
FR Fartlek Run
GP Goal Pace
Hills Hill Workout
KM Kilometers
LR Long Run
m Meters
MI Miles
min Minutes
OFF No exercise
PR Progression
sec Seconds
SS Steady State Run
SW Sprint Workout
TR Tempo Run
TT Time Trial
XT Cross-Training

22 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Start your New McMillan Plan!

Enough talking. Let’s start training! I’m happy to offer my training plans
so you can train smarter, avoid injury and race faster. I have them for
different runner levels (novice, intermediate and advanced) and for dif-
ferent runner types (speedster, combo and endurance monsters) so you
can find the perfect plan for you.

FIND MY 5K PLANS HERE

Critical: Prehab Included!

Don’t get hurt. I’m going to say it again. Don’t get hurt. A few years ago,
I made it my mission to reduce running injuries. If you’ve seen any of
the research, it shows that 50-80% of runners get injured every training
cycle to the point that it interrupts their training. That’s unacceptable.

As a result, I not only created plans that better fit into runner’s lives and
how they are feeling, but my plans include your prehab (core, strength
and mobility) routines. The combination of these smarter, more flexible
training plans -plus the prehab routines- resulted in a reduction in the
injury rate for athletes using McMillan plans by 80%!

I’m really proud of that as there is nothing worse than a runner who
can’t run. I never want you to be the fittest spectator at your goal race.
With my plans, you’ll get to the starting line healthy and the finish line
faster.

23 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Bonus Feature:
Better Prep Improves Your Chances

If you have more than three months until your race, you
can add preparatory training to help you get even more
prepared to excel in the race-specific training.

My prep plans help you build a bigger aerobic base (including more
long runs), get faster so 5K pace feels easier, build your durability so you
don’t get hurt in the training plan and allow you to enter your race plan
excited to really nail the workouts and the race.

Here is an article on how I like to sequence the plans to build a longer


training cycle. And here is my article on the preparatory plans.

24 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


Final Thoughts & FAQs

I know you can run a fast 5K. It just takes a smart plan
that allows flexibility along with prehab training, so you
stay healthy.

My plans provide both along with a fun dose of variety and just the right
amount of brain training to keep the training exciting and build a brain
that helps you get the most from yourself on race day. I look forward to
working with you!

Q Can the plan upload to my watch?

Yes! All plans can be uploaded to your GPS watch.

Q Does the plan include the McMillan Calculator Paces?

Yes! Your optimal paces are automatically included in


your plan (and advance across your plan).

Q Is it easy to move runs around to fit my schedule?

Yes! Life requires that you need to modify your plan.


Modifying is as easy as drag and drop. Move runs around
so the plan fits your life.

25 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


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26 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K


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27 HOW TO TRAIN FOR A 5K

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