Starting to Run - Mile to 5K

Pillar Prep

Cross Country, General Fitness, Strength & Conditioning
Coach
Yasir Mustafa

Are you interested in running but worried about past injuries or long periods of inactivity? Or perhaps you’re already fit but lack endurance? Our** Running Essentials Program** is designed for beginners, intermediates, and anyone seeking to build or** rebuild their running foundation safely and effectively**. Over 16 weeks, this program enhances your strength, explosiveness, and endurance while also supporting weight loss and muscle gain.

Unlike generic free programs, our sports-centric approach is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you develop the skills and body composition required to improve your overall quality of life. With a focus on personalized training, we help you avoid the common pitfalls of free plans, which often lack customization and can increase your risk of injury.

Your** journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation** of your physical abilities, injury history, and potential health risks. This assessment allows us to tailor your workouts, minimize injury risks, and track your progress. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, we** make necessary adjustments** to optimize your results within your available training time.

For those seeking additional guidance and faster progress, visit pillarprep.fr to explore our GOLD plan, offering personalized coaching and advanced recovery strategies.

Disclaimer: While this program is designed to reduce injury risk, it does not guarantee injury prevention. It aims to help you build the structural and physiological qualities essential for a healthy running journey.

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Personalized Coaching to Maximize Result
Unlike free programs, our plan includes one monthly coaching session tailored to your fitness level and goals. Upload your training videos through our platform, and receive personalized feedback during a 60-minute session or two 30-minute bi-weekly sessions. This ensures your training, nutrition, and recovery are perfectly aligned with your objectives, helping you stay on track and injury-free.
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Clear Guidance for Safe Progress
Don’t leave your running journey to chance. Our Streamlined and Comprehensive program offers instructional videos for every movement, eliminating the guesswork often associated with free plans like "Couch to 5K." With clear coaching cues and demonstrations, you can confidently progress without the risk of unnecessary injury.
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Enhance Athleticism Beyond Running
Our program isn’t just about running—it’s about building overall athleticism. By incorporating plyometrics, speed intervals, and explosive strength training, you’ll be prepared not just for running but for a variety of sports like tennis, skiing, and team sports. Experience a well-rounded fitness plan that sets you up for success in any physical activity.
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Real-Time Coaching and Customization
To ensure you get the most out of your training, we offer Additional Coaching Support through our pricing plans at pillarprep.fr. This option allows for real-time coaching and program customization whenever you need it, enhancing the effectiveness of your workouts and helping you reach your individual fitness goals.
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Data-Driven Training
With the TrainHeroic platform, you can easily log your training sessions, allowing us to make Data-Driven Programming decisions that prioritize your safety and promote long-term development. This approach helps you push your limits in a controlled, effective manner, ensuring your running journey is optimized for success.
Features
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Lifetime access to the program.
A one-time purchase grants you lifetime access to this training program for unlimited repetitions. Your fitness journey, your terms.
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Programming 6 days per week
Get ready for 3 full-body strength sessions & 3 runs targeting different energy systems to get you ready for your goal race time.
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Detailed, expert instruction
Receive comprehensive instructions for safe exercise execution, fostering long-term training proficiency. Your autonomy is our primary objective.
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Personalized bi-weekly feedback
We will periodically provide you feedback on your exercise technique and utilization of the program to ensure progress and safety.
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Delivered through TrainHeroic
Access your workouts seamlessly through our app. Effortlessly log your sessions and let us monitor your progress professionally.
Equipment
Required
Barbell // Dumbbells // Squat rack // Appropriate space and surface for plyometrics // Plyo box for jumping of 24 inch/61 cm // Leg press // Any equipment you need can be found in any commercial gym.
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Sample Week
Week 1 of 16-week program
Sunday
3D P1D1 W1

A

Rowing

1 x 500

B1

Prone Y's, T's and W raises

2 x 5

B2

Active stretch routine

2 x 5

B3

WORLD'S GREATEST STRETCH

2 x 5

C1

Bunny Hops Forward

2 x 3

C2

Bunny Hops Lateral

2 x 4

C3

Bunny Hops Backwards

2 x 3

D1

Jump Squat

3 x 3

D2

Back Squat

3 x 8

D3

Side Plank

3 x 0:30

E1

DB Bench Press

3 x 10

E2

1-Arm DB Row

3 x 10

F1

Seated calf raise

2 x 10

F2

Coppenhagen Groin curl

2 x 10

G

Biking

1 x 10:00

Monday
Run

A

Light Jog

1 x 5:00

B1

WORLD'S GREATEST STRETCH

1 x 10

B2

Inchworm

1 x 10

B3

Active stretch routine

1 x 10

B4

Hip circles

1 x 5

B5

Calf Stretch

1 x 0:30

B6

Single leg calf raise

1 x 12

C

Interval run

10 x 1:00 @ 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8

D

Light Jog

1 x 5:00

Tuesday
3D P1D2

A1

WORLD'S GREATEST STRETCH

2 x 5

A2

Active stretch routine

2 x 5

A3

Prone Y's, T's and W raises

2 x 5

B1

Lateral Hops (Outside/Inside)

2 x 3

B2

SINGLE LEG LINEAR HOP TO STABILIZE

2 x 3

C1

Romanian Deadlift (RDL)

3 x 8

C2

Paloff Press

2 x 12

D1

Broad Jump

2 x 2

D2

Lat Pulldown

3 x 8 LWP +0, 5, 5lb

E1

DB Shoulder Press

3 x 8

E2

Foam Roll

2 x 0:30

E3

Supine straight leg raise

2 x 8

Wednesday
Rowing and core

A1

WORLD'S GREATEST STRETCH

1 x 10

A2

Active stretch routine

1 x 10

A3

Stationary bike

1 x 5:00

A4

Star Jump

1 x 10

B

Rowing

1 x 20:00 @ 5

C1

Plank

2 x 0:30

C2

Side Plank

2 x 0:30

C3

Supermans

2 x 0:30

C4

Side Leg Raise

2 x 0:30

Thursday
3D P1D3

A1

Active stretch routine

1 x 10

A2

Side Lying Rotation

1 x 10

A3

pelvic mobility supine

1 x 10

A4

Bird Dog

1 x 10

A5

Dead Bug

1 x 10

A6

Hip Airplane

1 x 6

A7

Dead Hang

2 x 30

B1

KB swings

3 x 10

B2

Rotational Squat jump 90 degrees

3 x 2

C1

Multi directional jumps

2 x 2

C2

Lateral Lunge

2 x 8

D1

DB Push Press

3 x 5

D2

Pull-Up

3 x 8

E

DB Farmer's Walk

3 x 0:20

Friday
Tempo run

A

Light Jog

1 x 5:00

B1

WORLD'S GREATEST STRETCH

1 x 5

B2

Inchworm

1 x 5

B3

Active stretch routine

1 x 5

B4

Hip circles

1 x 5

B5

Split Squat

1 x 8

B6

Calf Stretch

1 x 0:30

B7

Single leg calf raise

1 x 12

C

Interval run

5 x 3:00 @ 5, 6, 7, 7, 7

D

Light Jog

1 x 5:00

Saturday
Recovery day @ home lvl 1

A1

WORLD'S GREATEST STRETCH

2 x 5

A2

Single Leg Squat for Ankle rocker

1 x 15

A3

Shuffle for Ankle Rocker

1 x 25

A4

Toe Ups for Ankle Rocker

1 x 20

A5

Wiper for Ankle Rocker

1 x 25

A6

Active stretch routine

2 x 5

B

Elite 6

C

Agile 8

D1

Spring Ankle 3

1 x 20

D2

Spring Ankle 2

1 x 20

D3

Spring Ankle 1

1 x 20

D4

Spring Ankle 4

1 x 20

D5

Spring Ankle 5

1 x 20

E

Foam Roll

F

Thoracic Extension on Foam Roller

G

Foam Roll IT Bands

Coach
coach-avatar Yasir Mustafa

Yasir boasts a decade of experience as a fitness coach. His holistic approach aims at enhancing physical and mental resilience, promoting productivity through skill development and sports-based fitness. Currently pursuing Sports Science and Coaching at UGA, he is a Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) and actively competes in track & field while coching youth at a local track and tennis club.

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5K Ready in 16 Weeks: Strength & Power focus

Begin your running journey with our 16-week online program designed to help you complete a 5K. Focusing on strength, power, and athleticism, our personalized approach ensures you develop the skills to run efficiently while minimizing injury risks.

Get Starting to Run - Mile to 5K
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FAQs
How much Olympic Lifting is in this program?
Olympic lifting isn't a primary focus of our program due to its technical nature. However, if you're skilled and keen to incorporate it, let's chat! We can discuss how to seamlessly integrate it into your routine for maximum benefit.
Where can I find answers to questions that aren't listed here?
Ask us through pillarprep.fr
What if I'm new to lifting OR don't know how to perform a movement?
This is an advanced program and require excellent technical proficiency. Our Initiate or Bare Minimum program would be suitable for your level. They will allow you to develop technical mastery and fitness for more intensive training.
Do workouts include cardio?
Cardio is a key component of our training program, with up to 2 sessions per week. They are added in small volume to help your body accustomed to the training load. If you don't have certain equipment (rowing machine or bike), we can help you adjust the program for you.
What if I can’t workout on the assigned day?
Feel free to shuffle your workouts around and still keep track of all your stats as usual. Your program, you do it around your schedule!
What if I don't have all the equipment?
No equipment? No problem! In our app, you can easily swap out exercises if you don't have the required equipment. Just choose an alternative exercise from our extensive library that fits the equipment you have available. If you have any question regarding that, just send us a message through chat!
Does this plan include coaching sessions?
No. Our GOLD PLAN, purchased through our website gives you additional coaching sessions.
Is this program self-paced or instructor-led?
Self-paced.
What equipment do I need for this program?
They are listed above.
Can I cycle through this program multiple times?
Yes but if you do it properly, your fitness should be significantly better, requiring a more advanced program. In that case, "Miles and Kilos"would be appropriate.
Can I do the workouts at home?
This is not a bodyweight training program. You can do this with limited equipment at your apartment gym but not without weights.
Is there a meal plan included?
While this program focuses on workouts, we provide general nutritional guidelines and tips to help you optimize your results through additional services (via pillarprep.fr) . For personalized meal plans, consider consulting a registered dietitian.
What if I have an injury or a specific condition?
During our initial health assessment, we will determine if a referral to doctor or a health professional is necessary. If you have a specific condition or injury, we can help modify exercises to suit your needs. Always prioritize safety and listen to your body.
How much time commitment is required per week?
Each session typically lasts about 45-60 minutes. We designed these to fit into a busy schedule while still being effective. Overall, this program will require 4 to 5 hour per week of commitment.
Can I combine this program with other fitness activities?
Yes, you can BUT we don't recommend it. Be mindful of your overall workload to avoid overtraining. Ensure you have adequate rest and recovery to maximize your results. Any of the easy runs could be replaced with weekend hiking or recreational sport but only once in a while.
Starting to Run - Mile to 5K