Walk–to–Run Program

Walk–to–Run Program
If you are a male and your one–mile time was slower than 8:30 or
a female and your one–mile time was slower than 10:30 on the 1–1–1
Physical Fitness Assessment, begin with this section. When new runners
or runners of lower fitness levels start a running program, they often
follow a walk–run progression. During the first four weeks, you will
alternate walking and running for the time listed on the training
schedule and repeat the walk–run routine five times in each training
session. You will gradually decrease the walk time and increase the run
times over the four weeks. When you have completed the walk–to–run
program, you are ready to progress to the next stage of your training.
The run progression starts at week 5 of your designated training
schedule. You should run continuously for the time period listed on the
training schedule. You should run at a pace that you are able to maintain
for the entire time listed. You should not feel out of breath during the
runs. If you are able to carry on a conversation as you run (the talk test),
then you are probably running at the right pace. Resist the temptation
to run longer than the time period listed on the training schedule. The
program will get harder; it is designed to gradually and safely increase
your endurance. During weeks seven through 12, you will run one mile
at a designated pace that progresses each week to enable you to meet
the BCT standard. You will also add speed running to the program, which
will increase the intensity and help you to run faster. Make sure that you
properly warm up with the standardized warm–up before the walk–run
activity. Refer to the training schedules at Training Schedules tab.