Get Up Off the Couch to 5K Running – A Quick Start Up Guide
If you’re considering getting fitter and would like to go from lounging on the couch to 5k training then there are a few things you need to do first.
Give some reflection to the next few points before you do actually get off the couch to 5k training:
#1 Give Your Body The Once Over
First things first. Make an appointment with your doctor or physiotherapist to make sure you’re in good health or you have any joint or muscular complications treated before you begin your training.
#2 Invest In Your Health
The bare minimum any new runner needs is at least one pair of good quality running shoes, ideally selected for you by knowledgeable staff at a highly regarded running store that have the equipment to diagnose your running style.
You’ll also have to do some research so you know exactly what changes you ought to be seeing throughout your training and how and when to take your training forwards or take a step back.
Lastly it will be a big help to you if you get some running clothing such as waterproofs, gloves, shorts, thermal underwear and running socks etc.
#3 Get The Foundations Right
Start off slowly, increasing your distances little by little, making sure you can allow an adequate amount of recovery time between workouts. I suggest that you leave at least 24 – 48 hours in between very demanding runs to begin with, but more if you need it.
If you’re planning on going from couch potato to 5k runner,but you can’t run at all to begin with then you should kick off by power walking until you are able to jog easily, from then on you can push yourself a little faster.
Running 3 times a week is usually enough to start seeing improvements in your fitness levels.
