5K races have become the most popular racing distance. All runners, from beginners to elite athletes find this distance to be both challenging and enjoyable. The popularity of this race distance makes it easy to find local races in almost all areas.

Competing for top positions or reaching a new personal record requres complete physical and mental dedication, precision training and expert guidance. Almost all top level athletes work with a running coach. A coach provides the expertise and support that competitive runners need. It is important that a competitive runner train all of their bodies energy producing systems in the proper proportion and at the right time. It is just as important to schedule appropriate rest periods to avoid overtraining syndrome. Your personal coach will design a custom 5K training program, just for you, that meets all of those requirements. This is a customized program that is designed specifically for you by a real running coach, not a computer program.

Coach Qualifications

Your training program will be designed and written by Running Planet president and founder, Rick Morris. A competitive runner for 35 years, Rick has been a professional running coach for over 20 years. He has trained hundreds of runners of all abilities from beginners to competitive athletes. Rick is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer and a weight loss & lifestyle consultant.

Coaching Philosophy

We believe that all runners are individuals with their own specific needs, goals, abilities and experiences. In order to meet the needs of each unique client, all of our training programs are designed, from the ground up, for each and every runner. We will never use computer generated programs or formulas that spit out the same generic workouts for each person.

Our custom 5K training program, with a goal of racing, competing or setting a new PR, incorporates gradual increases in running mileage, lactate threshold runs, VO2 max training, vVO2 max workouts, long runs, goal pace training runs, general strength training, running specific strength training and plyometrics. The proper combination of those workouts will get you the finish line at your best possible pace.

What's Included?

Your training package is a complete educational game plan that includes a program overview, a fully detailed training schedule designed specifically for you, detailed workout descriptions and additional educational materials. All of your training and support materials will be delivered via e-mail in Adobe PDF format. You have the option of purchasing the custom program only or selecting the additional benefit of personal coaching. If you choose the personal coaching option, you will also have full access to your coach, via e-mail, for the duration of your training schedule.

How it Works

After signing up, you will receive a link on your confirmation screen to download your athlete questionnaire. Please fill out the questionnaire, sign and return. The questionaire will provide your coach with the information needed to design a custom program that will be of maximum benefit to you. After receiving your completed, signed questionaire and waiver, your coach will design your program and send all of your training materials to you via e-mail in Adobe PDF format. There are no long term or multi-month contracts that you must sign or commit to. You receive the entire 5K training program with all of the appropriate educational materials and, if you choose the personal coaching option, unlimited access to your coach for the full duration of your program.

Who is this program for?

This is an competitive level 5K training program for runners with a goal of racing, setting a new PR or competing for top positions. Runners participating in this program should be experienced competitive runners and should have been running for a 2 years or more before beginning this program. All participants must be healthy with no physical or psychological conditions that would prohibit their engaging in strenuous physical activity.

What is the difference between the standard program and the personal coaching option?

The standard coaching program is for runners that are comfortable with training on their own and are able to make their own changes to the program as needed. The personal coaching option includes full coaching support, unlimited e-mail contact with your coach and any adjustments that are needed for the duration of your training program.