Top 10 Training Tips for a 5k

Proper footwear is an essential part of any successful race. The same pair of shoes isn't going to work for everyone, so you'll need to do some research. Some sporting goods or shoe stores have staff who are trained in fitting people with the right footwear for the right activity, so that's a good place to start.

As far as clothing is concerned, there are a few things to keep in mind: mobility, comfort and breathability. Make sure that your clothes don't hamper your movements or chafe. Choose fabrics that will help wick away perspiration and allow air to circulate.

Be sure to break in your shoes and clothing before race day. Otherwise, you could end up running a very uncomfortable 5 kilometers.

If your goal is to run in a 5K, don't just train for an imaginary race -- sign up for one. Pay attention to the calendar, though. Don't plan to run in a race that takes place next week. Give yourself enough time to train properly. The length of time depends on your starting fitness level -- in general, though, the longer you have, the better. Plan on at least a couple of months [source: Run Britain]. Once you've signed up for a race, that deadline will serve as an excellent motivator to get you outside and hitting the pavement.

Once you've signed up for a race, you'll need to create a training schedule. There are tons of resources out there to help you get started, from books to Web sites to magazines, so there's no need to reinvent the wheel. One thing to remember is that it's important to consult your doctor before beginning any kind of training regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health problems or aren't in top shape.

When you've established your training schedule, stick with it! The race will be here before you know it.

Unless you've been running regularly for quite some time, running a 5K race isn't something you can comfortably do without some buildup. Your training schedule should include a steady increase in both speed and distance. This is essential not only to your body, but also your mind; trying to do too much, too soon, will leave you exhausted and discouraged. Even if you think you can do more, it's important not to push too hard. The longer your body has to work up to the goal, the less chance you'll have of injuring yourself. As your strength and endurance increase, you'll be able to run farther and faster.

Nutrition is a key part of any 5K training regimen. The proper diet can mean the difference between a successful run and debilitating fatigue, so pay attention to what you're putting in your body. Complex carbohydrates, the kind you get from unprocessed fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can give you the necessary energy to run the race. These foods are low on the glycemic index, which means that they'll help keep your glucose levels steady. Consuming foods that are high on the glycemic index will cause your glucose levels to rise sharply -- and plummet just as quickly [source: Oregon State University].

Remember, running a race is something you have to build up to, and it takes a lot of stamina. While you're training, don't be afraid to alternate between running and walking. Though it's less strenuous than running, walking still keeps your muscles engaged. It's particularly important for novice runners who are working on getting in shape. When you've run until you're out of breath, slow to a walk until you recover, and then try another burst of running. The further along you go in your training, the less walking you'll need to do.

Before you take off on your run, you need to make sure your muscles are properly warmed up and ready to go. There are a number of good, dynamic stretches ideally suited to runners, and they almost all focus on various muscle groups in the legs. Runner's World has a number of helpful stretching guides, including this one from physical therapist Nikki Kimball. These stretches are designed to get your heart rate going in addition to loosening up your muscles. More passive (or "static") stretches are best for cooling down after your run [source: Static Flexibility Stretches for Runners].

Unsurprisingly, leg exercises are very important while you're training to run a 5K. Building up your leg strength will help you avoid injuries, as well as improve your muscles' ability to use oxygen. With increased strength comes better posture and less stress on the joints, two things all runners should pay attention to. You can do strength exercises for your legs at the gym or at home, usually in about 15 to 20 minutes per session. Consider supplementing your strength training with a swim -- water provides excellent resistance that builds muscle without taxing your joints.

Training for a 5K can be stressful and draining. One way to mitigate that is to find a training buddy or group. You can keep one another accountable to the schedule and training regimen, and offer much-needed encouragement when things start to look insurmountable.

If you have a friend who already runs, that's a great place to start. He or she can be both a cheerleader and coach as you make your way through the training. Otherwise, look for a local club or running group to hook up with. Check with area gyms, the local YMCA or a community center to find a group.

Resting is just as important to your training as running. Running every single day doesn't allow your body the time it needs to recover from the workout. Repeatedly over-taxing your body can result in injuries such as stress fractures or shin splints, both of which can have you out of the race for a while [source: The Runner's Guide].

Hydrating is equally crucial. The more you exercise, the more you need to replace the fluid lost through perspiration. For normal exercise, water should do the trick; for more intensive workouts (more than an hour), consider a sports drink containing sodium. Keep drinking even after the workout's over to keep your body properly hydrated [course: Mayo Clinic].