Beginners Running Program 1

15 Minutes in 8 Weeks



This beginners running program is safe, but delivers results.

You'll get from couch to 15 minutes of solid running in only 8 weeks!

beginners running program
And after that you will want more. I promise you that!

This beginner running program starts very gently. Too easy for some. Hard for others.


It is hard to please everyone with one running program!


Feel that the start is too easy? Then just start at a later week, e.g. why not hop into the schedule at week 4 or so?

Or follow the links down the page to other running programs that might suit you better.

However, I very purposely created the beginner running programs on this site with somebody in mind that is very, very new to running. You come from a low base of fitness and now you want a safe way to get introduced to running. Then this program, or one of the other programs on this site will suit you very well...!

And don't for a moment believe that you are not able to do this! You can absolutely do this. Many have gone before you.
Landed on this page via a search engine (Google, Yahoo, etc.) or link on the internet?


Then make sure you check out the following pages before embarking on this program:

beginners running program
  • Introduction to the beginners running programs including the Running Programs FAQ - This page provides all the guidance you need on how fast to run, how fast to walk, how to read the schedule, etc., etc.


  • The Most Important Beginner Running Tips - quite a read, but it covers the essentials when you are starting out.


    Most of starting your running career should be reasonably straightforward, but if you have any questions at all, make sure you check out the above pages first. A lot of your questions have already been answered.

    Just for completeness I will also just give you the most important instructions here:

  • The walking in this program should be a brisk walk


  • The running should be slow. A gentle jog is all I am asking from you. Slow enough so you would still be able to talk somebody running with you


  • Follow the program in the sequence it has been laid out. Things get progressively harder, but never undoable.


  • Having some difficulties at some stage? E.g. you can run 6 minutes non-stop, but 7 is too hard? Repeat a week or build up more slowly (e.g. try running 6 minutes and 30 seconds, rather than 7. Then try 7 the next time).



  • Beginners Running Program




    I hope you enjoy this or one of the other beginner running programs.


    Here are Some Other Running Programs

    beginners running program 2
    beginners running program 3
    10k running program for beginners
    half marathon running program

    Beginners Running Program 1
    Run 15 minutes in 8 weeks



    1
    6 min walk
    6 min walk,
    1 min run
    8 min walk,
    1 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    6
    7
    9
    22
    Time
    Running
    0
    1
    1
    2
    2
    2 x
    4 min walk,
    1 min run
    1 x
    8 min walk,
    2 min run
    2 x
    5 min walk,
    2 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    10
    10
    14
    34
    Time
    Running
    2
    2
    4
    8
    3
    1 x
    7 min walk,
    3 min run
    2 x
    4 min walk,
    2 min run
    1 x
    3 min walk,
    3 min run
    1 x
    5 min walk,
    2 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    10
    12
    13
    35
    Time
    Running
    3
    4
    5
    12
    4
    2 x
    3 min walk,
    3 min run
    1 x
    4 min walk,
    3 min run
    1 x
    5 min walk
    2 min run
    1 x
    3 min walk,
    3 min run
    1 x
    4 min walk
    4 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    12
    14
    14
    40
    Time
    Running
    6
    5
    7
    18
    5
    2 x
    3 min walk,
    4 min run
    2 x
    4 min walk,
    4 min run
    1 x
    4 min walk,
    5 min run
    1 x
    4 min walk,
    4 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    14
    16
    17
    47
    Time
    Running
    8
    8
    9
    25
    6
    2 x
    3 min walk,
    5 min run
    2 x
    2 min walk,
    5 min run
    2 x
    2 min walk,
    6 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    16
    14
    16
    46
    Time
    Running
    10
    10
    12
    32
    7
    2 x
    2 min walk,
    6 min run
    1 x
    1 min walk,
    7 min run
    1 x
    2 min walk,
    6 min run
    2 x
    1 min walk,
    7 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    16
    16
    16
    48
    Time
    Running
    12
    13
    14
    39
    8
    1 x
    1 min walk,
    9 min run
    1 x
    1 min walk
    6 min run
    1 x
    1 min walk,
    12 min run
    1 x
    1 min walk,
    3 min run
    15 min run
    Exercise
    Time
    17
    17
    15
    49
    Time
    Running
    15
    15
    15
    45


    BRT Newsletter



    Home > Beginner Running Tips > Beginners Running Program 1

    What's New?

    1. Fartlek Training: Speed Workouts for Runners

      fartlek-infographic.jpg
      Learn fartlek training for runners: benefits, how to structure workouts, pacing guidelines, and beginner-to-advanced examples. Boost speed and endurance.

      Read more

    2. Qualifications A 15 Mile For 1530 In Two Weeks - I'm Not A Runner

      Failed your 1.5 mile run test? Running coach Dom shares his crash-course training plan to help you pass in 2 weeks, plus long-term strategies for correctional officer fitness requirements.

      Read more

    3. Need To Qualify For Air Force Basic Training - 1.5 Miles In 12 Minutes

      Expert running coach answers how to train for the Air Force 1.5-mile run test in 12 minutes with just 2 months. Specific training plan, pacing strategy, and injury prevention tips.

      Read more

    4. 1.5 Miles in 15 Minutes: Police Academy Training Guide | Best Running Tips

      Complete training guide to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes for Police Academy fitness test. Includes weekly training plan, tempo runs, and test day strategy.

      Read more

    5. 1.5 Mile in 13 Minutes, but Out of Shape

      Expert running coach answers: Can your husband get ready to run 1.5 miles in 13 minutes with just 3 weeks after a year-long injury? Here's the honest assessment and training plan.

      Read more

    6. Need Running Tips for Police Physical Test - Training Guide

      Police fitness test prep advice from running coach Dom. Get specific training plans for 1.6km, 5km runs and 100m sprint with realistic timelines.

      Read more

    7. 1.5 Mile Running Test on Treadmill: Speed Settings & Pacing Strategy

      Complete guide to passing your 1.5 mile treadmill test. Get the exact speed calculations, pacing strategy, and training tips from a running coach to nail your fitness test.

      Read more

    8. 1.5 Mile Police Test - Time Limit 13 Min | Best Running Tips

      Expert running coach answers whether 13 minutes is realistic for a 1.5-mile police test with 6 weeks to train. Specific training plan for basement running and winter conditions.

      Read more

    9. 2400m Time - Want to Improve My Running | Expert Training Advice

      Get expert coaching advice on improving your 2400m running time. Specific training plans, interval sessions, and pacing strategies to help you break your target times consistently.

      Read more

    10. 1.5 Mile Run in 12 Min 45 Sec - Expert Army Fitness Training Advice

      Expert running coach advice for achieving 12:45 for 1.5 miles. Training plans, pacing strategies, and fitness requirements from certified coach Dom.

      Read more

    11. 1.5 Mile Run - How Much Time Can I Shave Off in 6 Months?

      Realistic time improvements for your 1.5 mile run in 6 months. Expert running coach breaks down training plans, pace targets, and what's actually achievable with dedicated preparation.

      Read more

    12. 1.5 Mile Run in 10:30 Minutes - British Army Fitness Test Training Tips

      Expert running coach answers how to train for a 1.5 mile run in 10:30 minutes. Specific training plans, pacing strategy, and workout recommendations for military fitness tests.

      Read more

    13. I Need To Reduce My 1.5 Mile Time By 8 Min In 6 Weeks

      Can you cut 8 minutes off your 1.5 mile time in just 6 weeks? Running coach Dom breaks down the training approach, realistic expectations, and speed work needed for this ambitious goal.

      Read more

    14. How to Improve Running Speed & Endurance: 7 Science-Backed Tips

      running-quote-029.png
      Learn proven methods to improve running performance. Expert running coach shares 7 actionable strategies to build speed, endurance & injury resilience. Free tips.

      Read more

    15. 1.5 Mile Run for Army in 11 Minutes - Training Plan & Strategy

      Expert advice for passing your army 1.5 mile run test in under 11 minutes. Training plan, pacing strategy, and realistic timeline from certified running coach.

      Read more