"IMPORTANT: Read These 5 Important Steps You MUST Take Before Getting Up Off The Couch To 5k Running...

Starting a 5k running program may well be one of the best things you ever do. If you have the motivation to tear yourself away from your couch to 5k running, then you can realistically expect to see the following benefits: -

• You'll lose weight fast and tone up 
• You'll gain loads of energy 
• You'll feel good about yourself 
• You'll have more confidence 
• You'll live a longer, healthier life 

However before you do go from couch to 5k training, there are 5 important steps you must take first: -

#1  Get a Check Up From Your Doctor or a Physiotherapist 

Obviously if you're in your early twenties and as fit as a butchers dog, it's probably unlikely that you'll need any medical intervention, although anyone over the age of 40 and going from spending too much time on their couch to 5k training will need a full health check.

Getting any old injuries checked over is another story however. You can be affected by this at any age. I've seen more beginners than I care to remember sidetracked after just a few runs because of some type of injury or another. So if you have any niggles such as back pain, sore ankles or weak knees, then this one's a must...you'll thank me later!

Click Here to Find Out How You Can Go From the Couch to 5K Runner in Just 6 Weeks 

#2  Planning and Goal Setting 

A journey that has no destination or end goal to focus on won't be an easy or quick one. If you know where you're going, IE 'I'm going to run the 'New York' 5k on September 11th this year, and plan your training back from this point, IE ‘I will be able to run a mile without stopping in 3 weeks time and 2 miles in 5 weeks from now,’ then this is far more likely to be achieved. Here is a copy of a goal setting form you can use to get you from the couch to 5k runner within just a few weeks - Goal setting form

#3  Preparation 

Preparation is usually the hardest part of any task. Think about painting your house as an example. You have to wash down, fill and rub over any timber work, select and buy the colours you need first and then clear out the room before you even get started. Going from your couch to 5k training is no different. Getting things organised at the beginning makes the rest of the journey much easier. 

Try to plan around or eliminate any of these other possible factors first: - 

• Can you spare the time, are there times in the day or week you have free or will you need to arrange cover at work, hire a babysitter etc 

• Are your family or friends likely to suffer because you'll be committing some time to running? If so can you allocate other times to spending with them or could they get involved too?  

• Is the route you're planning on using safe to run, is it well lit, does it have pavements would you feel comfortable running on it when it’s dark or wet for example.  

• Do you know anyone who might like to be your running buddy to provide you with some company, keep you motivated or provide a little competitive edge?  

• Have you got the right type of running shoes, can you afford to buy any right now?  

These are just a few of the questions you may or may not feel important to answer before you do get off the couch to 5k running. Find out more about how to prepare to train for a 5k run here.

#4   Choosing the Right Running Shoes

This is a very important matter. If I could have a dollar for every time someone's come to me with an injury or niggle which is related to their training shoes I'd be a very wealthy man.  

I would suggest that this is probably the most important step to get right when starting any type of running program...so choose your running shoes practically. I know that goes against most of the things we learn through our lives, but very important nevertheless.  

Don't get hung up on colour or design. They should just fit properly and support your feet correctly. It’s as simple as that. Not all sports shoe stores will be able to help you here. You'll probably need a specialist running store to make sure you get the right shoes. Go here to find out how to choose the best running shoes to help you go from the couch to 5k runner.

#5  Taking Action

Yes this is critical. I know that might sound obvious, but all the planning in the world and the best running gear that money can, buy won't help you to get better at running. Neither will approaching running without having a clue what to do. 

You must take regular and consistent action, ultimately running 3 times a week should be enough, but don’t neglect having a rest day once or twice a week to recharge the batteries.  

You will also need a running schedule and training guide, your own road map to follow. If you get a good one, you'll find going from your couch to 5k running a breeze. Something that will change your life, help you to live longer, give you loads of energy, have more confidence and feel so much better in yourself. 

To find out more about how you can get hold of a COMPLETE training guide and running schedule that’s totally different to anything else you can get online, which will hold your hand throughout all of your 5k training click here now - Couch To 5K

Click Here to Find Out How You Can Go From the Couch to 5K Runner in Just 6 Weeks