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10 Week Beginner 5K Training Plan

Experience Level

Beginner

Number of Weeks

10

Training Plan Introduction

Ready to take on your 5k? This plan is your path to confidently completing your 5k race, improving your running, and reaching new milestones.

Break Milestones

  • Complete Your 5K: Progressively build stamina and confidence to cross the finish line.
  • Increase Endurance & Confidence: Build your running capacity with steady, manageable improvements.
  • Prepare with Purpose: Enter race day feeling ready and proud of your journey.

Is This Plan You Need?

  • Focused Training: Each session is designed to improve endurance, pacing, and race-day preparation.
  • Time-Efficient: With just 3 runs per week, this plan fits easily into your lifestyle.
  • Personalised Progress: TrainingPeaks helps track your pace and distance, ensuring steady, manageable progress.

Tap Into Your Potential

This plan is for beginners ready to take on the challenge of a 5k. With determination and commitment, you’ll reach new milestones and prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think.

Key Features

Structured Progression

  • Weeks 1-4: Base Endurance, VO2 Max, and Threshold: The first block focuses on building a strong base endurance while introducing VO2 max intervals and threshold efforts to improve aerobic capacity.
  • Weeks 5-7: VO2 Max, and Base Endurance: The second block shifts focus to developing speed with VO2 max efforts while maintaining base endurance.
  • Weeks 8-10: Race Pace, Tapering, and Peaking: The final block is designed to fine-tune your race pace and then taper your training to allow for recovery and optimal performance on race day.

Flexibility & Adaptability

  • Keep training enjoyable and social with weekly guidance to swap sessions for club runs, .
  • Compatible with smartwatches for easy tracking and real-time feedback.

Personalised Approach

  • Sessions tailored to your paces and goals using the TrainingPeaks zones calculator.
  • Complete assistance with your training plan—just leave your email, and I’ll guide you personally.

Who Is This Plan For? 

  • Newer and First time 5K Runners: Athletes ready to take their training to the next level.
    • You should be able to run for 30 minutes before starting this plan.
    • This plan is available for Intermediate and Advanced level runners too.
  • PB Chasers: Those aiming to run their fastest 5K ever.
  • Time Restricted Runners: Runners looking for structure, progression, and results with maximal time efficiency.

What You Get

  • 10 weeks of detailed training, designed for efficiency and impact.
  • 3 sessions per week, including endurance, speed, and race-specific workouts.
  • A fully integrated training calendar for seamless scheduling.
  • Email support whenever you need help or motivation.

Added Extra Benefits

  • Expert Support: Backed by 12 years of coaching experience.
  • Smartwatch Integration: Make the most of your training tech to follow every workout live.
  • Community Flexibility: Train solo or adapt to group settings with ease.
  • Training Plan Information: Know exactly how to get the most out of the training plan.
    • Welcome document explaining setting up your training plan and terminology
    • Race day guides and a sensible warm up routine with videos.

Take the Leap

This plan isn’t just about completing a 5K; it’s about building your confidence and unlocking your potential. Every run counts, every session is designed to help you progress, and your personal best is within reach.

Let’s make your 5K a success.
Start today and take the first step towards achieving your goal!

Training Plan Sample(s)

Training Plan Cost

Training plans are processed in USD $. Conversions are estimates.

Full Compatibility

This training plan is compatible with...

Your Coach

Chris Searle the head coach of efficient endurance

Hi, I’m Chris.

I’m a UK-based, qualified running and triathlon coach with 12 years of professional experience.

I’ve coached athletes to achieve everything from parkrun personal bests to podium finishes at national events.

My approach focuses on efficient training methods to help you reach your running goals, whether that is completing your first race or setting a new PB.

FAQ's

These plans are tailored for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced, looking to maximize their performance. If you’re unsure of which level you are, get in touch!

The only thing you need is a trainingpeaks account and the usual running kit (running shoes and adequate clothing) but to get the most out of your training plan, having the following would be ideal:

  • Compatible* smartwatch

The following items are optimal but not necessary:

  • Chest Based Heart Rate Monitor

*All common devices sync with trainingpeaks, check here to see if your device is compatible with the structured workout feature so you can follow your sessions on the go.

Training sessions are written in an optimal order for improvement, progression and recovery, but plans change and when they do you can move sessions across days and weeks with a premium training peaks account.

If you need to move things around but are not sure what is best, get in touch and I will help you out.

Most likely. Plans that have strength sessions included use weights such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and cable machines. You don’t have to do these sessions but they add another dimension to your training that running alone can not do.

Sometimes, we have to miss a session, life gets in the way. Fortunately these plans are robust and consistency and efficiency will keep you progressing. Don’t fret over a missed session and don’t try and catch up either, you will still keep moving forwards.

You can adjust the schedule or swap sessions with a premium training peaks account; email support is available for advice if you’re unsure of what to do.

Every session includes detailed instructions and the rationale behind it. Feel free to email if further clarification is needed.

Improved endurance, better race-specific fitness, and confidence on race day. Results depend on how disciplined you are to the plan- it is designed to keep you motivated.

Our guarantee ensures that you are on the right training plan for you. If you find your plan is too much, too little, too hard or too easy, get in touch and we will swap you onto a more suitable plan.

We would love to issue refunds but do not have the option for this as payment is taken by trainingpeaks.

Absolutely! Email support is available for guidance and motivation.

We only provide support for the duration of your plan and 2 weeks afterwards. If you would like coaching after your plan, get in touch!

Why choose Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Ability-based plans & email support
  • Expert Input - Designed by a qualified, experienced coach
  • Structured Progression - Detailed progression
  • Detailed Sessions - Clear explanation of how sessions support your goal
  • Training Volume - Balanced for your level
  • Race-Specific Prep - Includes taper weeks & race guides
  • Strength Training - Targeted strength sessions*
  • Cross Training** - Cross training sessions available**
  • Tech Integration - Compatible with smartwatches
  • Support & Advice - Email support from a coach
  • Plan Guarantee - Free plan swap if needed
  • Cost - $3 per week

Free Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Generic & non-specific
  • Expert Input - No professional input
  • Structured Progression - Some progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Inconsistent and limited
  • Detailed Sessions - No race-specific advice
  • Race-Specific Prep - Not included
  • Strength Training - Not Included
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - No compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No support offered
  • Plan Guarantee - No other plans
  • Cost - Free

Other Premium Training Plans

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Limited ability variations
  • Expert Input - Created by a qualified coach
  • Structured Progression - Include generic progression
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Suitable volume for athletes
  • Race-Specific Prep - Minimal race-day strategy
  • Strength Training - May have generic strength work
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - Occasional support, sometimes outsourced
  • Plan Guarantee - Limited or no guarantee
  • Cost - $3-5 per week

AI Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Algorithm-based, lacks nuance
  • Expert Input - Automated, no human touch
  • Structured Progression - Only if the algorithm says so
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Metrics can miscalculate workload
  • Race-Specific Prep - Lacks detailed guidance
  • Strength Training - Rarely included
  • Cross Training** - Sometimes compatible
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No human support available
  • Plan Guarantee - No guarantees
  • Cost - $10+ per week

* Strength training included on some training plans at additional cost

** Cross training is available on some specific plans

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