10-Week plan

Beginner-Friendly

5K WALK/RUN LEVEL 1

From 'I Can't Run' to '5K Finisher' - The Run/Walk Plan for True Beginners

This walk/run plan is for you, even if:

  • You’ve never run before in your life
  • You get winded jogging for more than 30 seconds
  • You’ve tried running programs before but quit because they progressed too quickly
  • You’ve never exercised consistently in your life
  • You feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about running in public

WHAT MAKES THIS 5K PLAN DIFFERENT?
Gradual transitions + Custom meal plan + Community support

FINALLY, A PROGRAM THAT STARTS WHERE YOU ACTUALLY ARE

This 10-week run/walk program was created specifically for people who are comfortable walking but want to start running. We start with just 1 minute of running followed by 3 minutes of walking and build gradually to 2.5 minutes running/2.5 minutes walking, so you’ll never face that overwhelming feeling that makes most beginners quit.

Why This Plan Works

Unlike running programs that push too hard too soon, this plan respects your starting point with a realistic mix of walking and running. Each week builds logically on previous progress, giving your body time to adapt while preventing the injuries and burnout that cause most beginners to quit.

THE PROBLEMS THIS WALK/RUN PLAN SOLVES:

"I don't know how to start running"

Your day-by-day run/walk plan starts with just 1 minute of running (with plenty of walking breaks!) and builds gradually over 10 weeks

"I get out of breath when I try to run"

Strategic walk/run intervals that gradually build your aerobic capacity without gasping for air

"Running hurts my joints and muscles"

Proper form guidance and progressive training that gives your body time to adapt to impact

"I don't know what to eat for energy"

Simple meal plans optimized for beginners with foods that support your new activity level

"I feel embarrassed running in public"

Mental strategies to overcome self-consciousness plus indoor options for building confidence

"I'm confused about proper running form"

Simple technique guidance with beginner-friendly cues that won't overwhelm you

"I start strong but always quit running programs"

Realistic progression that prevents the burnout and injury cycles that lead to quitting

End your running frustration today

SEE HOW MANAGEABLE THIS Plan REALLY IS:


  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total Run
Minutes
Running Run 1 min
Walk 3 min
(Repeat x6)
Rest Run 1 min
Walk 3 min
(Repeat x7)
Rest Run 1 min
Walk 3 min
(Repeat x8)
Rest Rest 21 minutes
Strength   Anterior   Posterior   Mobility    

Join thousands who’ve transformed their fitness with run/walk intervals

YOUR 10-WEEK JOURNEY TO RUNNING

Phase 1: Weeks 1-3

Building Foundations

Start with 1-minute running and 3-minute walking intervals. Focus on proper breathing, posture, and finding your comfortable pace. We'll establish your baseline fitness and create sustainable habits.

Phase 2: Weeks 4-7

Increasing Running Time

Gradually increase running intervals to 2 minutes while decreasing walking intervals to 2.5 minutes. You'll develop more running-specific muscles and cardiovascular adaptations while building mental confidence.

Phase 3: Weeks 8-10

5K Preparation

Reach your target of 2.5-minute running and 2.5-minute walking intervals. You'll practice the full 5K distance with this balanced interval strategy, master pacing, and build mental toughness for event day.

THIS TRAINING PLAN CONTAINS:

10-Week Walking Program ($39 value)

Progressive schedule with day-by-day instructions customized for true beginners

BONUS: Running Technique Videos

Easy-to-follow visual guidance on proper form to prevent injuries and make running feel better

Private Community Access ($29 value)

Connect with fellow beginners for accountability, encouragement and celebration

BONUS: Running Technique Videos

Easy-to-follow visual guidance on proper form to prevent injuries and make running feel better

BONUS: Gear Shopping Guide

No-nonsense advice on essential and optional gear with budget-friendly options for new runners

FREE BONUS FOR FIRST 50 BUYERS!

One-on-one 15-minute virtual coaching call with a Slow AF Run Club walking coach ($49 value) Only 12 spots remaining!

YOUR SUCCESS STORY STARTS HERE!

This proven program helps beginners transition from walking to running. Your journey starts with 1-minute run/3-minute walk intervals and builds to 2.5-minute run/2.5-minute walk intervals over 10 weeks.

BACKED BY SCIENCE: WHY RUN/WALK WORKS

REDUCED INJURY RISK

Research shows the run/walk method significantly reduces impact forces on joints compared to continuous running, helping beginners avoid common injuries

IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH

Regular run/walk intervals have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression while boosting mood and self-confidence

PROVEN FITNESS GAINS

Beginners following properly structured run/walk programs show significant improvements in aerobic capacity, endurance and overall fitness

YOUR COACH STARTED RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE NOW:

Martinus Evans

When Martinus Evans’ doctor told him he was “too fat to run,” he couldn’t even run for 30 seconds without stopping. Starting with a walk/run method, he gradually built up to completing multiple marathons.

Unlike coaches who have always been runners, Martinus truly understands:

  • The frustration of gasping for air after short running intervals
  • The challenge of transitioning from walker to runner without injury
  • The mental barriers that keep many people from believing they can run
  • The intimidation of traditional running programs and communities

His walk/run approach has helped thousands of people who never thought of themselves as “runners” build the confidence and physical ability to complete their first 5K with a smile on their face.

YOUR COACH STARTED RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE NOW:

Martinus Evans

When Martinus Evans’ doctor told him he was “too fat to run,” he couldn’t even run for 30 seconds without stopping. Starting with a walk/run method, he gradually built up to completing multiple marathons.

Unlike coaches who have always been runners, Martinus truly understands:

  • The frustration of gasping for air after short running intervals
  • The challenge of transitioning from walker to runner without injury
  • The mental barriers that keep many people from believing they can run
  • The intimidation of traditional running programs and communities

His walk/run approach has helped thousands of people who never thought of themselves as “runners” build the confidence and physical ability to complete their first 5K with a smile on their face.

REAL QUESTIONS FROM REAL BEGINNERS

Yes! This program is specifically designed for people who have never run before or have tried running in the past but struggled. We start with just 1-minute running intervals combined with walking recovery periods, making it achievable for true beginners. If you can walk comfortably for 20-30 minutes, you’re ready for this program.

The program is designed to be flexible. If you need to repeat a week before moving on, that’s perfectly fine! Many of our most successful participants took 12-14 weeks to complete the 10-week plan. The guided plan includes specific “adjustment strategies” for when life gets in the way or your body needs extra recovery time.

Then you’re in the right place! Most running programs progress too quickly, asking beginners to run for too long too soon. Our method uses shorter running intervals with ample walking recovery, making it genuinely achievable for true beginners.

While proper running shoes are recommended eventually, you can start with any comfortable athletic shoes you already own. The program includes a budget-friendly gear guide with suggestions for when and what to purchase as you progress. We firmly believe that waiting for “proper gear” shouldn’t delay your start.

Absolutely! This program was created by someone who began running while overweight and understands the unique challenges larger bodies face. The walk/run method is particularly beneficial for those carrying extra weight, as it reduces impact stress while building fitness. The program includes specific form tips and recovery strategies for larger runners.

Unlike generic Couch to 5K plans, this program includes comprehensive support: customizable nutrition advice, form videos specifically for beginners, mental strategies for building confidence, community support, and personalized guidance. The running progression is also more gradual than most free plans, with smaller jumps in intensity that prevent the common injury and burnout cycles.

Upon completion, you’ll receive guidance on next steps based on your goals. This includes options for maintaining your current level, gradually increasing running time further, or transitioning to a 10K training plan. Many graduates choose to complete several 5K events using the walk/run method before moving to longer distances.
 

JOIN THE 5K SUCCESS JOURNEY

Let's create your run/walk transformation together.

From your very first running step to crossing that 5K finish line with confidence, we’ll be with you every step of the way.