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Couch to 5K Week 14 tip: Celebrate

By Nick Hurley

Dick Pond

The first thing you should do is congratulate yourself on taking the plunge and trying to tackle your first 5K or simply using this program to get back in shape.

Fourteen weeks is a long time to stay consistent and motivated during a training program.

After this week, you should be able to complete 40 minutes of walk/run, which will get you close to or over the distance of a 5K race. (3.1 miles).

Remember that you are not required to run the whole distance and you should utilize the walk/run combo if needed.

After you finish, be sure to celebrate and reflect on the journey and how far you have come.

It's OK to give yourself a mental and physical break for a few days, but many people are even more inspired to continue on after completing their first race.

I hope you have found these tips and suggestions helpful over the course of the program and wish you luck on the next part of your journey.

Interested in joining one of our running programs?

All five of Dick Pond Athletics suburban locations host several runs and Walk2Run programs throughout the week.

This is a great opportunity to continue on with a run group or repeat the Walk2Run program until you feel ready to continue. These groups are full of encouragement and have participants of all paces and fitness.

Visit www.dickpondathletics.com to find more information about the running program nearest you.

Let us help you get moving

Couch to 5K Week 1 tip: Getting started

Couch to 5K Week 2 tip: Proper footwear, increasing your workouts

Couch to 5K Week 3 tip: Wearing the right clothes

Couch to 5K Week 4 tip: Don't overthink it

Couch to 5K Week 5 tip: Pacing and breathing

Week 6 tip: The foam roller is a runner's best friend

Week 7 tip: Improve your running form

Week 8 tip: Fueling right during the day

Week 9 tip: Mix it up a bit

Week 10 tip: Avoiding side stitches

Week 11 tip: Make time for your running as you progress

Week 12 tip: Entering your first race

Week 13 tip: Adding speed to your run This week's workout: Walk 1 min/Run 18 mins for 38 minutes

Summer road races step off soon. Is one right for you?

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