Parkrun Training Plans

Training is only part of the equation - what you eat has a big impact on how you feel and perform. Fueling well helps you recover faster, train consistently, and show up to parkrun ready to go.

• Keep protein high to support muscle repair.
• Eat extra carbs before tougher runs or workouts.
• Try caffeine in training if you want an extra boost in speed or focus.

You don’t need to carb-load for a 5k, but carbs are still your best source of energy. Before runs, stick to complex carbs like oats, whole grains, sweet potatoes, or fruit to keep energy steady.

Race day nutrition

• A carb-rich meal 2-3 hours before your start time will keep you fueled.
• Keep protein, fat, and fiber low so digestion doesn’t weigh you down.
• Most importantly, only eat foods you’ve practiced with in training - nothing new on the day.

Adding cross-training and strength training to your 5k parkrun plan helps you achieve two things: reduce injury risk and improve your performance.

Cross-training is any activity that builds fitness without the same impact as running. Cycling, swimming, rowing, or using the elliptical are all great options. These workouts keep your aerobic engine strong while reducing stress on your legs. They’re also a useful way to stay active if you’re carrying a niggle, or if you want to add variety to your week. Choosing something you enjoy makes it easier to stay consistent.

Strength training is one of the most effective ways to improve both performance and injury resistance. By targeting the muscles most involved in running - calves, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core - you’ll build the stability and power needed to hold good form and push harder over the parkrun.

• Strength training can improve running economy by 8-12%, helping you run faster with less effort.
• It prepares your muscles to handle the impact of high-speed running, so you’re less likely to pick up overuse injuries.
• Even 1–2 short sessions per week can make a noticeable difference to your performance and resilience.

Pacing is key to running your best 5k. Because it’s a short race, you’ll want to run close to your target pace from the start - but control and planning still matter.

Start by working out your goal finish time. For example, if you’ve run 25:45 before, aiming for sub-25 minutes is realistic, but sub-24 minutes may be a step too far right now. The faster your current time, the smaller the gains you should aim for.

Unlike longer races, you don’t need a wide pace range - aim to lock into your target pace straight away.

Here’s a smart approach to pacing a 5k:

• First 1-2 km: Try to hit your target pace from the start. Expect the first km to be a little quick due to adrenaline, but keep it within 2–3 seconds of your target. Don’t burn too much energy early.
• Middle section (2-4 km): This is where it gets tough. Focus on holding steady pace, knowing every step is taking you closer to the finish. If you’re feeling strong, you can increase slightly here.
• Final kilometer: This is where you empty the tank. Dig deep, use the crowd, and push hard to the line.

Tip: If you’re chasing a PB, choose a flat, fast route where you can settle into rhythm without hills or sharp turns.

Good form can make all the difference at parkrun. Running efficiently will:

• Protect your body from impact as you push the pace.
• Reduce wasted energy so you can hold a steady rhythm over 5k.
• Lower your risk of injury, especially when parkrun becomes a weekly effort.

In a parkrun, form often decides whether you finish strong in the last kilometer or struggle to hold pace.

• Run tall with relaxed shoulders.
• Keep strides short, quick, and light for smooth turnover.
• Drive your arms back to create momentum and rhythm.
• Stay relaxed through your face, hands, and jaw to conserve energy.

Work on form during training so it carries over on Saturday mornings. Focus especially in the middle and final kilometers of parkrun, when fatigue sets in and posture matters most. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel - helping every parkrun become smoother and stronger.

Even though the parkrun is a shorter distance, recovery is still essential. Training puts stress on your muscles and joints, so looking after your body ensures you can train consistently and improve without setbacks.

Here are the key things to focus on:

• Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours each night. Quality sleep is when your body repairs, adapts, and gets stronger.
• Mobility work: Add yoga, pilates, or stretching into your week to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness from speed sessions.
• Massage and tools: Use a foam roller, massage gun, or occasional sports massage to ease tight muscles and boost recovery.
• Nutrition and hydration: Refuel after runs with carbs and protein to replenish glycogen and repair muscles. Stay hydrated throughout the day to support energy levels and recovery.
• Active recovery: Easy movement - like walking, cycling, or swimming - improves blood flow and loosens sore muscles without adding more fatigue.
• Flexibility: Listen to your body. If you feel unusually tired or sore, take an extra rest day or swap a workout. One missed run won’t stop your progress, but pushing through fatigue could set you back.

After a 5k race, most runners recover quickly - often within a few days. Still, give yourself some downtime before jumping back into hard training, so you come back feeling fresh and motivated.

The gear you use in training and for your parkruns plays a big role in both comfort and performance. Here’s what to think about when preparing for your 5k:

• Shoes: Invest in a pair that matches your running style and stride. For 5ks, some runners prefer lightweight “racing shoes” to maximize speed, while others stick with their everyday trainers for comfort. Try both in training to see what feels best.
• Clothing: Choose technical fabrics (polyester or nylon blends) that wick sweat and reduce chafing. Even in a shorter race like the 5K, cotton can leave you damp and uncomfortable.
• Running watch or GPS tracker: Monitoring pace is especially useful in 5k training, where seconds matter. A GPS watch or phone app will help you stay consistent. Runna integrates with Garmin, Apple Watch, Coros, and Strava so your training and progress sync automatically.
• Accessories: For shorter runs, you may not need much, but a lightweight belt or armband can help carry essentials like keys or your phone.
• Sun protection: A high-SPF sunscreen is worth using even on cloudy days, since you’ll often be racing in the morning or midday sun.

Golden rule: practice with all your kit in training. Don’t try new shoes, clothing, or gadgets at a parkrun if you're trying for a PB.