Cardio program with only 3 days a week running

[NightTigress]

Hey community, I'm new here.

I want to start training cardio, specifically running. I've looked at several DAREBEE programs and I'm leaning towards 8 Weeks to 5k. But that program has running 4 times a week and other running programs seem to also have running 4 times a week or every other day. I want to do the running on the treadmill in the gym, because the treadmill will give me better feedback how fast I'm running and ensure I'm keeping up the same speed throughout the run (and it won't be raining in the gym), but I don't think I'll be able to consistently go to the gym 4 times a week.

Is there a DAREBEE program focused on running that has the actual running only 3 times a week?

or

Could I stretch out 8 weeks to 5k so that I'll only be running 3 times a week?

Thanks.

 

[Fremen]

Could I stretch out 8 weeks to 5k so that I'll only be running 3 times a week?

Sure, programs are tested for months before being released and provide a solid framework for good training but nothing prevents you from adapting a good program to your needs with small changes

 

[Set Monje]

Would something like this work?

 

[princess_sarena]

I did most of the 5 km program. I didn't want to run four days a week either, so I just filled in the extra days with another program or other workouts. Like, I'd do two days of the 5 km program, a day or two of a different program, then keep switching back and forth so that I was doing something every day but not more than three runs a week.

I made a LOT of progress and I'm pretty sure I ran the most I've ever done in one summer.

The programs are very adaptable, and far from being written in stone. Do whatever works for you. Even when I'm not running I might switch between harder and easier programs depending on how I'm feeling that day. Whatever gets you moving gets you moving.

 

[NightTigress]

[Runner Training Plan]
[Treadmill Workout]

Would something like this work?

TIL that DAREBEE has Training Plans. Nice. Following a training plan would mean I'd have to pick my own workouts (doing only one workout would get boring really quickly) and with all the options I have here, choice paralysis would not work in my favor. I'll start out with 8 Weeks to 5k to make it simpler but I'll keep this in mind for later.

I did most of the 5 km program. I didn't want to run four days a week either, so I just filled in the extra days with another program or other workouts. [...]

The programs are very adaptable, and far from being written in stone. Do whatever works for you. [...]

Thank you for sharing, good to know I'm not the only one adapting this specific program. Yes, this'll be the way forward for me.