Have you ever dreamed of participating in a 5K? It may be easier than you think!

With the right game plan, you can not only tackle your goal with confidence but also reap the many benefits of a consistent running routine, including strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles, boosting your mood, and increasing your alertness. Follow the steps in this guide, and you may find yourself ready to cross the finish line in as little as eight to ten weeks.

Pick your plan

For first-time runners, one of the quickest ways to prepare for a 5K is following a professionally crafted training program available online or via an app or podcast. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Couch to 5K plan, but there are many others to choose from to fit your unique needs and preferences. Along with various advice and resources, each offers a concise regimen designed to make running more accessible and feel less daunting, helping you to ease into it and work your way up to doing an entire 3.1 miles, the length of a 5K.

Follow a gradual schedule

Whether you opt for a program or choose to make your own training schedule, you’ll want to start out slowly, alternating intervals of walking with gradually lengthening ones of running to avoid overexerting yourself. For example, your first day might include a five-minute warm-up walk followed by a minute of jogging and a ninety-second walk. You could then repeat this pattern to complete an exercise session of twenty minutes total. As you improve, increase how much you run little by little, shortening your periods of walking in between, until you can finish a full thirty-minute run without stopping.

Take time to rest

A big mistake new runners often make is doing too much too soon, which can put them risk for injuries and burnout. After exercising, your body needs to time to recover, so always plan for one to two days of rest between workout sessions. You can use them as an opportunity to fully relax, such as by getting extra shut-eye or applying a foam roller to your muscles, or consider activities that can augment your strength and agility—building muscle can help improve your running form, speed, and endurance. Some good options include low-impact cardio like swimming or bicycling and simple strength training moves like squats or glute bridges.

Gear up

Once you’ve decided on a running plan and are ready to commit, invest in some quality apparel, the most important of which is a good pair of sneakers. Since shoes can vary widely in their construction and suitability for your feet, it’s best to shop in person at a running-shoe store rather than online so you can try on several options. Focus on factors like support, cushion, and drop, or the difference in cushioning between your heel and toe. Getting the best fit is key to optimizing your performance and better preventing injuries.

Also be sure to get comfortable running clothes to avoid chafing; areas especially prone to it include the armpits and inner thighs. For ideal protection, choose clothes in moisture-wicking materials like nylon or polyester. You could also apply an antichafing balm to your sensitive areas before your sessions.

Eat and hydrate

Getting plenty of water and enjoying a diet of healthy foods will be essential to your training. For one, don’t drink too much just before a session; all that may do is make you feel nauseous as you run. Instead, ensure a steady intake of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated, paying close attention to signs of thirst like dry mouth, headache, or dark urine. While experts generally recommend that adults drink at least eight cups of water every twenty-four hours, exactly how much you’ll need may be affected by factors like the weather and your weight, age, and activity level. In addition, aim to drink enough water to replace the amount you lose through sweat during a run within two hours of finishing it.

As for food, look to give your body the fuel it needs by eating a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, carbohydrates, dairy products, and lean proteins like nuts, beans, or fish. But as with water, be careful not to eat immediately before running since it could lead to painful cramps and side stitches. Time your meals so that you’re neither hungry nor full ahead of a session, and consider a light snack such as Greek yogurt with a piece of fruit following it.

Take care

While working your way through your training plan, be mindful about protecting yourself. To lower your chances of getting injured, add some dynamic stretching, such as arm circles and leg swings, to your prerun warm-ups to increase the blood flow to your muscles, helping to loosen them up. And if you do suspect an injury, don’t overlook it, no matter how minor it may seem—ignoring even a small twinge in a muscle can lead to more significant problems as you train. Take a rest day to recover, or seek medical attention if needed, especially if the problem seems to be enduring.

If you like the idea of finishing a 5K in about two months from now, run with it! You’ll be amazed at how much going through the training process may improve your fitness and your life.

*Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.