This four-week training program is designed for total beginner run/walkers who want to build up to run a mile without stopping. This 1-mile training schedule (see below) program is a run/walk to continuous running program.
Each week, you’ll make a slight increase to your running distance and a decrease in your walking distance. By the end of four weeks, you’ll be able to run one mile without stopping.
If you’re a beginner, but you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try one of these programs:
Before you get started, check out this Beginners’ Guide to Running, to learn some of the basics about running, such as proper running form, what to wear, and how to breathe.
Before You Get Start With 4 Weeks to Run 1 Mile:
For measuring purposes, you may want to do these workouts on a track, which is usually 400 meters, or about 1/4 of a mile. Each workout will have the track equivalent, so you know how far you should be running and walking.
It’s also fine to run on a treadmill. If you want to run on a road or path, you can measure the distance using a running app such as Runkeeper or MapMyRun.
You should start each run with a 5-10 minute warm-up walk. Finish up with a 5-10 minute cool-down walk.
You don’t have to do your runs on specific days; however, you should try not to run two days in a row. It’s better to take a rest day or do cross-training on the days in between runs as your body is adapting to the training. Cross-training can be walking, biking, swimming, or any other activity (other than running) that you enjoy.
If you find that the program progresses too quickly for you, you can repeat a week before moving on to the next week.
Week 1:
Day 1: Run 1/16 mile, walk 3/16 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 1/4 of a lap, walk 3/4 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 1/16 mile, walk 3/16 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 1/4 of a lap, walk 3/4 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 1/16 mile, walk 3/16 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 1/4 of a lap, walk 3/4 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 2:
Day 1: Run 1/8 mile, walk 1/8 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 1/2 a lap, walk 1/2 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 1/8 mile, walk 1/8 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 1/2 a lap, walk 1/2 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 1/8 mile, walk 1/8 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 1/2 a lap, walk 1/2 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 3:
Day 1: Run 3/16 mile, walk 1/16 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 3/4 a lap, walk 1/4 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 3/16 mile, walk 1/16 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 3/4 a lap, walk 1/4 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 3/16 mile, walk 1/16 mile – repeat 4 times (Track equivalent: Run 3/4 a lap, walk 1/4 of a lap – repeat 4 times)
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
Week 4:
Day 1: Run 1 mile (Track equivalent: 4 laps = 1 mile)
Day 2: Rest or cross-train
Day 3: Run 1 mile (Track equivalent: 4 laps = 1 mile)
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Run 1 mile (Track equivalent: 4 laps = 1 mile)
Day 6: Rest or cross-train
Day 7: Rest
After You’ve Completed the Run 1 Mile Program
Ready to move on? Try one of these training schedules:
- 4-Week Beginner Training Schedule to Run 2 Miles
- 4-Week 5K Beginner Training Schedule
- 6-Week 10K Beginner Training Schedule
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
