Who is The First 5K running guide for?

This guide is designed for postpartum individuals in mind. If you have ever been pregnant (whether that is 1 day ago or 15 years ago) this guide has information, workouts and running plans to help you confidently run a 5 km distance.

Is this guide safe for me to use?

Great question! The guide includes self-screening resources to help you evaluate your current pelvic health situation, ability to manage impact, and strength that is helpful for running. It is always advised to see your postpartum healthcare provider if you do not pass the self-screening questions/tests, or any time you have a question.

** This guide is NOT a substitution for an evaluation by a healthcare provider, nor is it intended to be medical advice. **

Will I really be able to run 5K after completing this guide?

The honest answer is probably yes, but maybe not. Every person is unique. Each of the three running plans provided include three runs per week over an eight week period. The last run of each plan is designed to be the ‘5K’ run. Some people may cover 5K of distance prior to the final scheduled run, while others may never cover 5K of distance. It depends on your speed, your running goals, the terrain you are running over, your fitness levels, and many other things.

I have never run before - is this guide for me?

YES! I’m excited that you’re here and are learning about running! Wahoo! The guide has been designed to be very user friendly, with pictures and descriptions of each exercise, fully written out run plans, and sample weekly schedules to help you plan your workout days and run days.

What if I can’t commit to an eight week program?

No problem. You can repeat each week as many times as you need to, go back a week or two, or start at the beginning. It is truly designed to fit YOUR schedule.

Is The Early Days Postpartum different than The First 5K Postpartum?

The Early Days Postpartum is a slightly modified version of the first 3 sections of The First 5K Postpartum. It is written for somebody wanting to return to physical activity in general, not only running.

Can I buy The Early Days Postpartum, then pay the difference if I decide I actually want The First 5K Postpartum?

Even better, you can buy Running Strong - 5K instead (launching late spring 2023). It is an 8 week 5K guide designed for anybody who wants to train for a 5K run, and is a slightly modified version of the exercise and running guide sections of The First 5K Postpartum. This would be what you would want to purchase if you have already purchased The Early Days Postpartum. :)