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5k Resources

Below are top resources on SparkPeople for 5k.

Spark Your Way to a 5K

Running or walking a 5K (3.1-mile) race is a fun and realistic goal for exercisers of all fitness levels. If you're ready to train for your first 5K, but not sure where to start, don't worry! SparkPeople's certified trainers have created...  Read more

''Running Helped Me Lose Almost 100 Pounds!''

Mike (MKKAYA) started running in 2008. Since joining SparkPeople, he has continued to work toward his weight-loss goals (losing nearly 100 pounds so far), completed three half marathons, and has his sights set on participating in a triathlon. ...  Read more

8 Lessons from My First 5K Race

I never considered myself a runner. I ran maybe once a week for 30 or 40 minutes, and then I wouldn’t feel like doing it again for a few days. Needless to say, I never really “get better” at running—I pretty much stayed the sa...  Read more

5 Fitness Feats that are Worth the Training

We all know how important goal setting is to reaching our dreams. From walking four times a week to eating more fruits and veggies, declaring your healthy intentions is an awesome way to make positive changes in your life. But if you’re lo...  Read more

Should You Hire a Running Coach?

Whether you are contemplating training for your first 5K race or are a seasoned runner looking to improve your performance, working with a running coach may help you reach your true potential. The Benefits of Training with a Running Coach A ru...  Read more

What do you eat before a 5k or 10k
Updated 5/18/2013 6:21:18 AM

Many people have reccommended that I carb load the night before a 5k or 10k or any race. What do you do nutritionally, to prepare?...  Read more

Walking a 5k
Updated 5/16/2013 11:38:03 AM

Hey there! This Saturday I'm walking a 5k for charity. It's walking, not a race, not competitive, and I have been active lately. Having said that, I have "leg problems" (lost my artery in my right leg as baby due to a freak surgical accident, an...  Read more

Ran a sub-30 5k!
Updated 5/15/2013 3:58:56 PM

I started the C25K program almost exactly a year ago (May 24, 2012, to be exact), and I was slooooow! My first 5k, back in August, was something like 45 minutes. I've been steadily improving since then, and relatively recently have been able to manag...  Read more

couch to 5k program
Updated 5/13/2013 2:48:36 PM

How do I start over and start getting day 1 week 1 e-mails and everything needed for the program? I am already a member of the group, I just cant figure out where to go and reset everything so I can start from the beginning....  Read more

Couch to 5K...??
Updated 5/9/2013 10:06:14 PM

I read a magazine article today about women who've lost weight. One of them did a "Couch to 5K." I don't know anything about this other than what I read in the article. Has anyone done this? Is anyone thinking of doing it? Even when I was young and i...  Read more

Distance not time!

I'm training for my first 5k--my goal is reaching that distance every time I'm on the treadmill not completing it within a certain amount of time. I know that as my training progresses the time will start decreasing. BUT hitting that goal of completi...  Read more

Couch to 5k

I wanted to run a 5K as part of my goals that I set for myself, but I have not ran in over 5 years :( I found a program to follow called Couch to 5K. It is awesome! You simply follow the suggested workouts 3 days week (they only take about 20-30 min...  Read more

Couch to 5K Group

New to running? So are we! If you are interested in starting the Couch to 5K Running Program or you already have, this team is for you!!!...  Read more

In the Company of SparkPeople Heroes

By Bob Dawson On Saturday, March 27, 2010 I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow SparkPeople members in Pittsburgh who were participating in the Just a Short Run. This was a series of races comprised of six events all going on at the...  Read more

Start Training Now for SparkPeople's Fall 5K

Fall is almost here, but Halloween candy and décor is already appearing. While everyone's favorite candy-and-costumes holiday can be a real deterrent for your diet, you can vow to stay on track—at least when it comes to your fitness&...  Read more

5K 5K 5K...5K!!!

So as I posted earlier this week I did a nice long run! (Well walk run) for about 3 miles! I was very, and am very proud of myself! Tonight I was talking with my sister about our vacation in July and how excited we are! She expressed how excited she...  Read more

5K My Way -- Day 68 -- First time for 5K Woo Hoo

No surprise. It was planned. Still it felt awesome! The "Lady in my Pocket" announced the completion of our third mile as we neared the end of our walk and J just looked at me and said "Really!?" Then he repeated himself three or four times. Yes...  Read more