First 5k -- Training plan or no?

Lots of others may disagree, but my approach to running is very simple. I put on my shoes and I run. I don't do tempo runs, speedwork, fartleks, etc. I just run. And I try to run as far as I can with the time that I have. I didn't start looking at training plans until I started running 30 and 50k trail races. And even then, I ran more intuitively and didn't follow the plans exactly. I will never win a race... but I am a finisher... and I like keeping my running simple, zen and therapeutic.

If you are unsure, why don't you try go out and run a 5K today?

Exactly!! Just get out there and do it... my first marathon was a 26 mile solo training run on the trails....

If you feel confident enough to go out there and just give it a go, then don't worry about the plan. I didn't follow one when I started running.

But couch to 5k type plans can be really helpful if you need guidance about how much to do and how quickly to build it up, etc.

Good luck. Running is awesome!

Yeah, I loved C25K, set me up for my 5k really easily.

It totally depends on your personality type and your fitness ability. I'm a pretty athletic person, BUT i need some kind of program to follow to 1) gage my progress, and 2) make sure I'm not doing too little/much.
So the C25K plan is great for me.
But if you hate that kind of 'Do this, now do that' plan then just getting out there might be best.
Regardless of what you choose, always listen to your body.
Never run through the pain, make sure you're well hydrated, have good running shoes, and that you're properly warmed up pre-run

Totally depends on your fitness level. Are you someone who can get out there are run a full 5k or are you struggling to do closer to 3 right now?

Personally, I hate super detailed training program like couch to 5k. I tried to do it three times, failed miserably. It's not my running style, it's not how I like to run, and I found that the first couple weeks weren't touching the fitness level I had, so it just felt awkward. I didn't need to walk 30 seconds to run 30.

I am however setting up my own training plans now to a degree. I can't run 5k, but I can run about 2.5 now, where I was struggling to run 1k three weeks ago. I do things that work for me, like running what I can and learning about my breathing patterns and what tempo works for me. I run as far as I can and push myself each time, and then try to do some interval walking/running for as long as I feel comfortable, but since I don't have a little thing in my ear saying "you must walk for 30 seconds before you start running again" often my slow downs are only 5-10 seconds before I'm off to a jog again.

You've just got to figure out what's right for you. But if you are going to do a 5k, I would recommend getting used to running that distance, obviously. So working towards being able to do that a few days a week for a few weeks leading up to any sort of actual 5k race would probably be smart. I'm hoping to run my first one in October.

Like others have said, it all depends on what *you* want from your 5k. If you want to reach a specific time, you will have better success with a training plan. If this is your first and your primary goal is to finish, do whichever method (training plan or none) that you are more comfortable with and will stick to. I would recommend to not attempt to do too much too quickly.

With the 5k being a relatively shorter distance, an easy "non plan" would be to put on your shoes and start jogging slowly. When you need to stop, take a walk break. When you recover your breath, start jogging again and repeat. No app required.

You will be able to go further over time as you build up your cardio base and learn to time your breathing. You'll be covering 5k in no time..

HTH and Good luck!

Well, I definitely can't run a 5k distance yet -- I can't even run a mile without struggling, lol. I guess I will stick to my app and try to be more patient.

You can either drop into an existing C25K plan, either an app or podcast, or just keep doing your own thing. Try to limit any increases in distance to about 10% per week, both in terms of each session and total mileage.

Try to avoid running every day, so alternate running with some other form of cross training; swimming, cycling or resistance training.

For me the benefit of using a structured plan was that it avoided what I had frequently done in the past; too much too soon leading to injury.

Training plans are useful guides BUT you also need to use some intuition - on a good day, run further or faster. On a bad day don't beat yourself up if you don't go as far or as fast as you planned...

I find planning the activity helpful but use the goals as guidelines - for example "I will run X miles at Y speed" or "I will run for X minutes and do Y miles" - X is fixed - I will achieve it. Y is subject to how I feel on the day.

Also, rule #1 for me: I always run better with other people.
.....

Only YOU know what is likely to work best for you though - trust your judgement!

Well, I definitely can't run a 5k distance yet -- I can't even run a mile without struggling, lol. I guess I will stick to my app and try to be more patient.

Well, being able to cover a distance of at least 5k in training (preferably more, such as 3.5 or 4 miles) is HIGHLY recommended prior to the actual race. Note that I didn't say you have to run 5k... if you find walk breaks helpful in training--or even in the race itself--then go for 'em.

So the question is: How do you get from where you are now (able to do one mile), to where you want to be for the race (able to do at least 3.1 miles)?

I think training plans are very helpful with that question. They set realistic goals in a realistic timeframe. They are proven to work with most people.

But if you have a better idea on how to go about it, then go for it! Just make sure it really is a "better" plan. Plans that are motivated by impatience seldom are. :-)