Coach Greg Cooper's Beginner's Running Guide

Cross-country coach Greg Cooper, AMCC Coach of the Year.

Greg Cooper '01, '06

Head Coach, Behrend Track & Field and Cross Country

Beginner’s Running Guide

  • Every day, do something; aiming for 4-5 days of 20-30 minutes of more intense exercise.
  • If starting at 2 minutes jogging is too much, try less. If it’s too easy, just go longer!
  • If you find yourself wanting more, try adding in 5-10 second sprints every few minutes.
  • If you get to 30 minutes without stopping and still want more, add on about 10-15% to one run each week to develop a long run.
     

Week 1

Monday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2 minutes, walk 3 minutes, Repeat. Finish with plank hold, crunches, and push-ups

Tuesday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2 minutes, walk 3 minutes, repeat. Finish with mason twists, 6” hold, and dips.

Wednesday
Just go for a walk!

Thursday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2 minutes, walk 3 minutes, repeat. Finish with plank hold, crunches, and push-ups.

Friday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2 minutes, walk 3 minutes, repeat. Finish with mason twists, 6” hold, and dips.

Saturday
Just go for a walk!

Sunday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2:30 minutes, walk 2:30 mins, repeat. Finish with plank hold, crunches, and push-ups
 

Week 2

Monday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2:30 minutes, Walk 2:30 mins, Repeat. Finish with mason twists, 6” hold, and dips.

Tuesday
Just go for a walk!

Wednesday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2:30 minutes, walk 2:30 mins, repeat. Finish with plank hold, crunches, and push-ups

Thursday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2:30 minutes, walk 2:30 mins, repeat. Finish with mason twists, 6” hold, and dips.

Friday
Just go for a walk!

Saturday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2:30 minutes, walk 2:30 mins, repeat. Finish with plank hold, crunches, and push-ups

Sunday
20-30 Minutes: Jog 2:30 minutes, walk 2:30 mins, repeat. Finish with mason twists, 6” hold, and dips.

 

Follow @CoachGregCooper on Instagram for more tips and free workout ideas!

Download and print Coach Greg Cooper's first two weeks of his beginner running guide.