A 5K Running/Walking Training Plan

Celebrating Success

The plan's goal is to help you begin and maintain a fitness routine. Establishing a new habit takes time and consistency. Taking notice of seemingly small steps toward your ultimate goal helps keep you motivated and on track. How you celebrate each step or subgoal is up to you. Treat yourself with a new piece of fitness gear, a movie, a new clothing item, a massage, etc.

Here are some subgoals I suggest you take time to notice and celebrate:

  • Three weeks and nine workouts completed
  • Six weeks and 16 to 18 workouts completed
  • Nine weeks and 24 to 27 workouts completed
  • Twelve weeks and 32 to 36 workouts completed
  • Completing 3.1 miles in one workout
  • Maintaining fitness by doing three workouts a week for three weeks after the 3.1-mile event
  • Maintaining fitness by doing three workouts a week for six weeks after the 3.1-mile event
Why do some goals include a range for celebration? Because you don't have to be perfect or 100 percent compliant to have a successful exercise program. 

Make Your Goals Routine

Looking for motivation to begin or maintain a fitness program? Take a look at the following benefits you'll enjoy with exercise. And once you establish the habit of fitness, it becomes as routine as brushing your teeth. Regular workouts are just another part of what you do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise Benefits

Most people know that they should exercise, but sometimes they lose sight of why it's so important. The Surgeon General reports that physical activity can have several positive benefits for women:

  • Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes.
  • Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
  • Helps control weight, build lean muscle and reduce body fat.
  • Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
  • Can help reduce blood pressure in some women with hypertension.



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