Here's How to Ramp Up Your Running Program

With the weather getting nicer around the country, people are seeking to start a running program and getting motivated to do so. But motivation quickly can turn painful if you do too much, too soon.

Below are a few charts for you to build up to a 5K run/walk to a marathon over several weeks, depending on your present ability. My personal rule for clients who request training plans for running long races is to build up to nearly 25-30 miles a week before you start concerning yourself with improving your performance in a half marathon or marathon. This can take from 10-15 weeks, depending upon your present running level. The standard rule of ramping up your running is adding 10%-15% of distance per week.

The first 10 weeks are designed for a beginning runner or one who is recovering from an injury, as seen in the chart below:

Running Plan I: Build up to a 5K run.

Beginner running chart

People seeking to start an exercise plan and need to lose 20 pounds: (always start a run workout with a quick 5:00 walk/light leg stretch). I highly recommend the run/walk method as you learn to run.

Do each run workout three times a week:

Running Plan II (intermediate runners): Build to a 10K run:

After starting a running plan, people often get injured after continuing past the three-mile run point. Add some non-impact aerobic options to help alleviate future pains. Check out related running articles here.

The following nine weeks will take you to a level where you can start to train for a 10-miler, half marathon or marathon without risk of serious injury. Just climbing to this level of running could cause tendinitis and other joint pains because of the harshness of running on the body. (According to Runner's World, 30%-60% of all runners get injured every year.) It is not recommended to start Running Plan III until you can perform week six from the Running Plan II.

*Work on speed and goal pace during the above workout (minutes/mile).

** On Tuesday and Friday, add in leg workouts with short runs to total a four-mile workout:

Once you have the foundation of running 30 miles per week under your belt, you are ready to train at your goal mile time and distance for a faster marathon. Saturday and Sunday usually make the best days for your longer run, so Monday and Friday will be off days in order to recover and prepare. The chart below is a 12-week plan for a marathon:

12-week running plan for better marathon performance -- very advanced runners:

Goal paces:

10:00/mile = approx. 4.5 hours

9:00/mile = approx. 4 hours

8:00/mile = approx. 3.5 hours

7:00/mile = approx. 3 hours

6:00/mile = approx. 2.5 hours

These workouts are recommended running programs that have worked in the past for many people, but they may not be right for you. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine, especially running.

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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