SAMPLE TRAINING SCHEDULE |
Week One: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 2 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 1 mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 2 times |
Week Two: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 2 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 1 mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 3 times |
Week Three: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 2 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 1 mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 4 times |
Week Four: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 2.5 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog ¸ mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 2 times |
Week Five: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 2.5 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog ¸ mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 3 times |
Week Six: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 2.5 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog ¸ mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 4 times |
Week Seven: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 3 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 3/4 mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 2 times |
Week Eight: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 3 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 3/4 mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 3 times |
Week Nine: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 3 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 1 mile, walk 1 mile - repeat 2 times |
Week Ten: |
Mon. Wed. Fri. |
Walk 3 miles |
|
Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Jog 2 miles continuously |
Congratulations! If you follow this progressive program of gradually
increased running segments you should make a safe, sensible and
successful transition from two miles of walking to two miles of
continuous running. The combination of walking and running on
alternative days is highly recommended, as it reduces your risk of
overuse injuries and enhances your exercise variety. Even elite
runners follow a slow pace day - fast pace day training protocol.
Of course, if you prefer to run more frequently, that is fine. One
approach is to alternate shorter runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays (e.g. two miles) with longer runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays (e.g. three miles). Just be sure to follow the safety
guidelines and avoid overdoing a good thing. Also, if you experience
any signs of overtraining (fatigue, muscle soreness, joint tenderness,
or any sustained aches/pains) be sure to cut back your running
workouts (frequency, distance, or both).