• Events

    Running

    RunningCouch to 5K5K10KHalf MarathonMarathonSee All

    Outdoor

    OutdoorCampingHikingSee All

    Triathlon

    TriathlonSprintOlympic/InternationalIRONMAN 70.3IRONMANSee All

    Cycling

    CyclingRoad CyclingCentury RidesMountain BikingSee All

    Sports

    BaseballBasketballFootballGolfMartial ArtsSoccerSoftballSwimmingTennisVolleyballWinter SportsYoga

    hidden

    active kidsactive kidsSports CampsBrowse All EventsRace Results
  • Calculators

    Calculators

    Running PaceBody Fat PercentageBody Mass Index (BMI)Ideal WeightHeart Rate
    Caloric NeedsNutritional NeedsBasal Metabolic Rate (BMR)Kids' Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Running

    Running Events

    RunningCouch to 5K5K10KHalf MarathonMarathonSee All

    Running Articles

    RunningDistance RunningTrail RunningMud RunningTraining PlansProduct Reviews
  • Triathlon

    Triathlon Events

    TriathlonSuper SprintSprintOlympic/InternationalIRONMAN 70.3IRONMANSee All

    Cycling Events

    CyclingRoad CyclingCentury RidesMountain BikingSee All

    Triathlon Articles

    TriathlonDuathlonTraining PlansProduct Reviews

    Cycling Articles

    CyclingMountain BikingCyclo-CrossBMXTraining PlansProduct Reviews
  • Fitness

    Fitness Events

    FitnessWalkingYogaStrength TrainingPilatesWeight LiftingSee All

    Fitness Articles

    FitnessWorkoutsWalkingYogaWeight LossTraining PlansProduct Reviews
  • Sports

    Sports Events

    BaseballBasketballFootballGolfMartial ArtsSoccerSoftballSwimmingTennisVolleyballWinter Sports

    Outdoor Events

    OutdoorCampingHikingBook CampgroundSee All

    Sports Articles

    SportsSwimmingBasketballTennisBaseballSoccerSoftballVolleyballFootballLacrosseGolf

    hidden

    Water SportsIce HockeyGymnasticsMartial ArtsSkiCampingHikingTravelSailingDanceSnowshoeing
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition Articles

    NutritionMeal PrepRecipesSnacksSupplementsProduct Reviews

    Health & Injury Articles

    Health & InjuryPhysical HealthMental HealthPainInjury PreventionRecoverySleepProduct Reviews
  • Kids & Family

    Kids

    Infants (0-1)Toddlers (2-4)Big Kids (5-8)Tweens (9-12)Teens (13-18)

    Events

    SwimmingBasketballBaseballSoccerTennisVolleyballFootballMartial ArtsChildcare

    hidden

    YogaCheerleadingGymnasticsDanceMusicArts & CraftsKids FitnessSee All

    hidden

    active kidsactive kids
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Running Articles
  4. >
  5. Couch To 5K
Couch to 5K Training Guide

Featured

The Best Protein Powders in 2026

We sift through all the protein trends to find the cleanest ingredients, the best-quality manufacturing processes, and the most ethical protein bra...

By Joan Enriquez

Running While Traveling: Tips to Stay on Track

Learn how to keep running while traveling with simple, flexible tips that help you stay consistent, explore new places, and enjoy the journey.

By Fara Rosenzweig

Celebrating Love On The Run

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to involve a hard-to-get reservation or an expensive dinner.

By Brooke Ziel

7 Reasons Your Next Race Should Be a Tough Mudder

Tough Mudder is all about cohesive teamwork, pushing your physical limits and getting out of your comfort zone. Are you ready?

By Nikki Chavanelle

Latest

Are You Ready for a Half Marathon?

5Ks are cakewalks and you have run dozens of 10Ks. If you're considering stepping up to the next level of running, here's how to know if you're rea...

By Jennifer Walker

5K Fuel Plan for a Newbie Runner

There's more to your first 5K than just the number of miles you log. Seasoned runners and fresh newbies alike need proper nutrition to have a succe...

By Michelle Ulrich

70 Thoughts You Have During Your First 10K

From "if this were a 5K, I'd be done by now," to "so worth it," here are 70 thoughts you can expect to cross your mind during your first 10K.

By Erica Schuckies

Why 5Ks are the Best Distance

With the many distance options for road races, we'd like to make the case for the 5K as the best distance. Do you agree?

By Erica Schuckies

48 Thoughts You Have During Your First 5K

From "What if I don't finish?" to "When's the next one?", here are a few of the thoughts that are bound to cross your mind during your 3.1 mile race.

By Erica Schuckies

Super Challenging Races to Test Your Strength and Determination

Ready to go beyond running in your next race? Here are 10 tough obstacle runs to test yourself.

By Erica Schuckies

2015 Fourth of July Races

Jump into a 5K or longer distance run this Fourth of July before the day's hot dogs and family games.

13.1 Reasons to Go 13.1

Need a reason to run a half marathon? How about 13.1 reasons?

By Runner's World

  • ACTIVE Logo
  • ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.

Follow ACTIVE
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
Mobile Apps
  • ACTIVE.com App
  • Couch to 5K®
  • 5K to 10K
  • Meet Mobile
  • View All Mobile Apps
Things To Do
  • Running Races
  • Triathlon Races
  • Cycling
  • Mountain Biking
  • 5K Races
  • 10K Races
  • More Things to Do
  • Half Marathon
  • Marathon
  • Ultra Running
  • Trail Running
  • Mud Runs
  • Swimming
Popular on ACTIVE.com
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles
  • New York City
  • Denver
  • Houston
  • Las Vegas
  • BMI Calculator
  • Calorie Calculator
  • 5K Training
  • Couch to 5K®
  • Half Marathon Training
  • Marathon Training
  • Organizer Technology Solutions
  • Earn Money
  • Account Access
  • Subscribe to Our Newsletter
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • About ACTIVE.com
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Copyright Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Privacy Settings
  • Careers
  • Support & Feedback
  • ACTIVE Access
  • Advertise With Us
  • Registration Software
  • Social Media Guidelines
  • Community Policies
  • Cookies Settings
  • ©2025Active Network, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors. All rights reserved.