Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs Are Easy, Cheesy, and Slow-Cooked

Name: Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs Are Easy, Cheesy, and Slow-Cooked
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: Sauce:

Sara Cagle

Jan 29, 2019

Cookbookmarked! is our new series where we review the latest cookbooks from the foodie influencers you follow. Check back often to find out which new releases are worth your hard-earned cash and the recipes you should try first from each.

The Instant Pot may be the current king of kitchen gadgets, but that doesn’t mean your slow cooker should be collecting dust. Here to reignite your love affair with your Crock-Pot is 3-Step Slow Cooker Cookbook ($22) by Drew Maresco, featuring 75 recipes for easy, hearty, fix-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker meals. Fill your kitchen with the aromas of gently bubbling chicken pot pie soup or caramelized onion pot roast, and your slow cooker just might earn a permanent nook on your countertop. While your cookbook is in the mail, whet your appetite with Maresco’s mozzarella-stuffed chicken meatballs. Go ahead and double the recipe below; there definitely won’t be leftovers otherwise.

Far too many slow-cooker recipes defeat the purpose of using a slow cooker; they’ll ask you to sauté ingredients or prepare sauces in a separate pan before you actually get to the Crock-Pot part. That’s not the case with 3-Step Slow Cooker recipes, most of which come together with a simple stir and a few hours of heat. You’ll even make dishes you didn’t know could be slow-cooked, like old-school meatloaf and a whole “roasted” chicken that tastes just like the rotisserie kind but without the fuss.

If your biggest hurdle in the kitchen is deciding what to make, you’ll plan menus with ease while flipping through 3-Step Slow Cooker. The book is organized into themes, like comfort food, Asian, Italian, and barbecue, so you can identify your craving and hone in on the best dish to satisfy it. Love Mexican but have a vegetarian friend coming over? Flip to the veggie section and land on a recipe for enchilada pie made with black beans and quinoa.

Maresco’s approachable, crowd-pleasing recipes prove that families don’t have to survive solely on pizza and mac and cheese. No kids’ table would turn down a plate of slow-cooker orange chicken or beef stroganoff with egg noodles, while even the pickiest eater could come around to the more sophisticated lemon-basil chicken with orzo. Perhaps the biggest crowd pleaser of all? Maresco’s addictively cheesy mozzarella-stuffed chicken meatballs. Whip them up with the recipe below, and you’ll vow never to eat a non-cheesy meatball again.

mozzarella-stuffed Chicken meatballs RECIPE

(Serves 4)

Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic. Using ground chicken to make these meatballs a bit leaner and stuffing them with fresh mozzarella makes this a satisfying meal your whole family will enjoy. Use whole-wheat pasta to give your meal a good fiber boost as well!

Ingredients:

Sauce:

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 medium onion, grated
1/4 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt

Meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (Unseasoned regular breadcrumbs would work just fine.)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into roughly 1/2-inch cubes
16 ounces spaghetti, cooked, for serving

Directions:

1. Stir together the tomatoes, onion, wine, tomato paste, garlic, basil, oregano, and salt in your 6-quart slow cooker. Combine the chicken, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Be sure not to over mix this, as it can make the meat tough.

2. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture, form it into a disk, place a mozzarella piece in the center, and wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling to form into a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese. Carefully place the meatballs into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.

3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Serve meatballs over cooked pasta.

For more succulent slow-cooker meals, follow Brit + Co on Pinterest.

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These Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Are The Tastiest Game Plan For Super Bowl Party

A slow cooker is your best friend when it comes to feeding a crowd, and there is no better time to put it to good use than Super Bowl Sunday! These Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are so rich and tender, from the flavors cooking together low and slow all day. Making the taco shells crunchy is entirely optional but totally worth it. It’s one additional step that makes a huge difference, and might have you adding them to your regular weeknight dinner repertoire, too!

For this recipe, you can use a variety of bell peppers – each color offers a different flavor and adds dimension to the tacos. And, if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on your stovetop, too, as more of a skillet-style fajita, by sautéing the bell peppers and onion over high heat to get a great char. Cook the chicken separately, then toss them together with the taco seasoning. If you’re looking for some great veggie options you can try my Sweet Potato or Mushroom Tacos too – there’s truly something for everyone!

This is also one of those slow cooker Super Bowl recipes that you can freeze and save for later. These tasty tacos can be made ahead of time and stored in freezer-friendly containers, so you can thaw them in the fridge the day you want to eat them, then heat them up when dinner time rolls around. A simple trick that I use is to store tortillas in the freezer too, so I always have them on hand. When I want to reheat them, I pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Easy peasy! So, no matter what celebration comes your way, you’ll be prepared having these tacos on-hand.

If you’re looking for something sweet to bring your meal to the end zone, there’s no better play in your game plan than these Double Chocolate Football Brownies – they are an absolute winner, and utterly delicious too!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Oven-Baked Crunchy Shells

Cooking spray
1 1/2-2 pounds chicken breast, sliced into very thin strips
1 red onion, sliced into thin strips
3 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
1 12 ounce can black beans, rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus additional lime wedges for topping
1/4 cup avocado oil or olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
10-12 8 inch tortillas (corn or flour work)
2-4 tablespoons olive oil
12 tablespoons shredded Mexican-style cheese

Tutorial: Watch How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

It can be hard to decide on which slow cooker Super Bowl recipes to make for your crew, but these Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos make the choice so easy. Each bite brings a different flavor that's super addicting. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos with Oven-Baked Crunchy Shells

Lightly coat the bowl of the slow cooker with cooking spray, or two tablespoons of olive oil.
Add the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and black beans to the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, oil, garlic, taco seasoning, and salt.
Pour the mixture over chicken, onions, and peppers and toss to coat well.
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.

Assembling the Slow Cooker Tacos

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Place the corn tortillas on a half-sheet baking pan, or similar size baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil.
Drizzle enough olive oil over the tortillas to evenly coat each side of the shell with olive oil.
Place about 1 tablespoon of cheese along with about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto 1 half of the tortilla so that the other half can fold over; exact amounts will vary based on the size of the tortilla used.
Repeat until all the tortillas are filled and folded.
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, then flip the tacos over and cook about 10 more minutes or until both sides are crispy.
Remove the tacos from the oven and once they are cool enough to handle, add toppings and a fresh squeeze of lime onto the tacos and enjoy while they are hot.
Top with your favorite toppings like Cotija cheese, fresh salsa, fresh cilantro, chopped guacamole, and sour cream

Check out my favorite go-to, no-mayo slaw to serve with these crunchy tacos available in my cookbook, Everyday Celebrations From Scratch, which is on SALE now! Get your copy in time before your next celebration!

Here are some more of my Southwestern favorites for your Super Bowl shindig!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Grow.

This post has been updated.

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Miles & Keleigh Teller’s Hilarious Nod To Ryan Gosling Will Make You LOL

Met Gala Monday has arrived, and it's making me think about all my favorite red carpet couples — Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Shaun White and Nina Dobrev, Tom Holland and Zendaya (who's co-chairing the Gala this year!). But one of the couples at the top of my list is Miles and Keleigh Teller. This couple (who's BFF's with Taylor Swift, by the way) never miss a hot red carpet look but they're also so sweet and goofy. Fingers crossed they show up at the Gala tonight, but until then, keep reading for their cutest relationship moments!

Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images for MTV

May 11, 2013 — Miles Teller And Keleigh Sperry Meet

Miles Teller and his future wife Keleigh met at an after party for The Black Keys in 2013, and immediately clicked. "I told my buddy, 'I think I'm going to be with this girl for a long time,'" Miles tells People in 2017.

He also told Vogue in 2019 that he knew she was the one right after they met. "Keleigh had caught my eye early in the night, and we talked," he says. "I didn't think it went well, but after a few more attempts, I got her to dance with me, and a week later, we went on a date."

“He was so charming and charismatic,” Keleigh tells Vogue. “I adored him from the first moment we met.”

Image via Keleigh Teller/Instagram

August 20, 2017 — Miles Teller Proposes To Keleigh Sperry

While on a trip to South Africa, Miles Teller proposed to Keleigh, starting the next chapter of their life! Except, the proposal didn't initially go as planned. "You do a coffee break after you do the morning sunrise safari and I said, ‘OK, wherever we’re going to be at, tie a rose to a tree and then put this note [with the day we started dating and the day we got engaged] on there,’" Miles says on an episode of Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. "So, we had our coffee break and she sees the flower [and] she thought someone had died. She thought it was an in memoriam kind of thing, and I’m just, like, staring.”

"I'll never get the image out of my head of him down on one knee with a tear in his eye," Keleigh told People. "He really thought about every detail and was so nervous!"

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

September 1, 2019 — Miles and Keleigh Teller Get Married

I thought this relationship couldn't get any more perfect, and then Miles and Keleigh Teller ended up getting married in Hawaii. The dreamy ceremony took place on Maui, and in addition to a beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown, Keleigh wore a necklace from her mom that all her sisters also wore when they got married. (Don't mind me, just brushing a tear from my eye!)

Image via Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

September 1, 2020 — Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller Celebrate Their Wedding Anniversary

Everyday is a good day to celebrate your partner, and anniversaries are even more of an excuse! To celebrate their one-year, Miles and Keleigh Teller spent some time oceanside. "Happy 1 yr anniversary to my all-time love @keleighsperry," Miles tweeted. "You and me til the end, baby."

"1 year ago, till the end," Keleigh Teller said in her own Instagram post.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

December 21, 2020 — Miles Teller Reveals Keleigh Teller Always Has His Back

While speaking with Men's Health at the end of 2020, Miles revealed just how strong his marriage to Keleigh had become (and how they added a lemon tree, hydrangeas, and roses to their backyard!). "She keeps me calm. It's pretty great," he says. "We are really great. Once you get married and you make that ultimate commitment, life is just a lot less stressful. You just know that person is always going to be there."

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images for MTV

February 14, 2021 — Keleigh Teller Celebrates Valentine's Day

To celebrate their second Valentine's Day as a married couple, Keleigh wrote a beautiful message to Miles on Instagram. "8 years of being your valentine," she says. "I love you, the one I want to go through time with." I cannot get enough of this couple! Swoon!

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

May 25, 2021 — Miles and Keleigh Teller Vacation With Shailene Woodley and Aaron Rodgers

In addition to the critically-acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick and Whiplash, you probably recognize Miles Teller from the Divergent series. Well, apparently he still keeps in touch with his co-stars, and this vacation proves it! Ahead of the summer of 2021, Miles and Keleigh Teller took a trip to Hawaii with Shailene Woodley and her then-boyfriend Aaron Rogers (of Green Pay Packers fame).

Image via Jason Koerner/Getty Images

September 1, 2021 — Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller Celebrate Their 2nd Anniversary As A Married Couple

This social media savvy couple celebrated each other on their second anniversary, and their messages were the sweetest yet! "2 years ago today, I married the woman of my dreams," Miles tweeted. "There isn't a day that goes by where I'm not reminded of how much I truly love and adore you. Thank you for your kindness and unconditional support, Keleigh. I would be lost without you."

"Happy anniversary my booshki," Keleigh wrote on Instagram. "Not sure how to put 8 years into 10 photos but I love you forever more thanks for being a stud of a husband, I adore you."

Image via Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

November 15, 2021 — Miles and Keleigh Teller Star In Taylor Swift's Music Video

All of Taylor Swift's music videos are amazing in their own right but my personal favorite is "I Bet You Think About Me" from the Red (Taylor's Version) era. The costumes are beautiful, Blake Lively's direction is perfect, and the fact that Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller are in the video makes it even better!

"So grateful to Miles for being the greatest dance partner and friend to me," Taylor wrote on Instagram at the time. "And @keleighteller, who is the coolest living human on planet earth. The bride was willing to risk it all."

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

May 5, 2022 — Miles Teller's Wife Keleigh Celebrates Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun was one of the hottest movies of 2022, and to celebrate its release, Keleigh showed up for her husband time and time again! "Loving the Rooster love! Miles says thank you to everyone who has seen the film and he shares in this moment with you," she says in one Instagram post, captioning another, "Just.. memories. so proud of you all. Congrats!!"

Image via Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

July 20, 2022 — Keleigh Teller Asks Miles Teller To Shave His Mustache

As much as Top Gun fans loved Miles Teller's mustache (and how much it made him look like his onscreen dad Goose, played in the original film by Anthony Edwards), Keleigh Teller wasn't a huge fan. "My wife made me shave it immediately [after filming wrapped]," Miles joked with People during the summer of 2022.

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix

October 1, 2022 — Miles Teller Hosts Saturday Night Live

On the heels of the Top Gun craze, Miles Teller hosted SNL during the fall, and Keleigh was just as excited as him!! "I adore you, thank you for making this week what it was @rebeccaannes @colinjost @fayedunaway etc. you make dreams come true," Keleigh wrote on Instagram the next day.

"So proud of you ❤️🔥," she wrote in another post.

Image via Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

February 2, 2023 — Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry Star In A Super Bowl Commercial

There aren't many Super Bowl commercials I can remember from the last few years, but the Bud Light ad with Miles Teller & wife Keleigh is one of my favorites! The ad really highlights how much fun this couple has as they dance around and have fun together. "There's a lot of improv," Miles tells People. "We did go to a rehearsal, just to be professional about it — but in the back of my head I was kind of figuring…I kind of knew the moves I wanted to do."

"It's really been an incredible year for both Keleigh and I, not just professionally but personally," he continues. "When Bud Light came and wanted us to be a part of a Super Bowl commercial, I mean, that's the top of the mountain as far as these things go. We always look forward to watching them."

Image via Keleigh Teller/Instagram

May 27, 2023 — Miles and Keleigh Teller Watch Taylor Swift's Eras Tour

I was over the moon when I realized I was at the same Eras Tour show as Keleigh and Miles Teller! The couple, along with Aaron Rodgers, attended two of Taylor Swift's three concerts at the MetLife arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They were a blast! "48 hours in ERAs heaven," Keleigh says on Instagram.

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

February 20, 2024 — Keleigh Sperry Celebrates Miles Teller's Birthday

I love birthdays just as much as other major holidays, and turns out Keleigh Teller loves them too! (Just, not as much as she loves Miles ;)). "Happy 37th birthday to my Phila-Florida-jersey-boy, you hung the 🌙 ," she says on Instagram. "Keep on flying, I’ll stand by and watch you shine forever."

Image via Miles Teller/X

April 30, 2024 — Miles And Keleigh Teller Dress Up In Honor Of The Fall Guy

After Ryan Gosling dressed up as Beavis during SNL and the premiere of The Fall Guy, Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller put their own spin on the costumes. Miles posted the photos to X with nothing but a rocker hand emoji as the caption.

Who is Miles Teller's wife?

Image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Miles Teller's wife is Keleigh Teller, who is a professional model and has starred in music videos like Opeth’s “The Devil’s Orchard" and Taylor Swift's "I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version)."

How did Keleigh Teller and Miles Teller meet?

Image via Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for CAA

Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller met when they showed up to the same after party in 2013. It really goes to show that you never know where you'll find the love of your life!

Do Miles and Keleigh Teller have kids?

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

No, Miles Teller & wife Keleigh don't have kids — but they do have a French bulldog named Bugsy!

What's your favorite moment from Miles and Keleigh Teller's love story? Check out our Facebook for more news on your favorite celebrity couples!

Lead image via Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

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Make This Slow Cooker Chana Masala Recipe Now, Have It For Dinner Later

Indian cuisine is delicious all year round, but it's especially perfect for cold weather. Enter this slow cooker chana masala. Made with warming spices and fresh ingredients, thisvegan recipeis the ideal antidote to the winter blahs. Even more importantly, it's made in with aslow-cooker, so you can set it and forget it as you go about your day... and then come back to a healthy and filling meal that won't leave you feeling weighed down. Read on to discover this slow cooker chana masala recipe perfect for seasonal eating.

Traditional Slow Cooker Chana Masala

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons ginger paste OR 1 small knob fresh ginger, grated
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon pink salt
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup water
14 ounces crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
62 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

To Serve:

Basmati rice
Cilantro
Limes
Yogurt
Naan

Directions:

In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add in onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden brown. Add in the ginger and garlic and continue cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the salt and spices and continue stirring and cooking until the spices are fragrant and mixture is slightly thickening up. Add in chopped serrano chili if you feel adventurous.
Add in water to deglaze the pan. Pour the mixture into a blender along with the crushed tomatoes and blend to make a smooth, creamy sauce.
Pour the sauce into a slow cooker and add in drained chickpeas. Stir to combine, adding any salt or seasoning, to taste.
Set slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. Serve with basmati rice, cilantro, lime, yogurt, or naan.

Love this slow cooker chana masala recipe? Sign up for our newsletter to recipe more recipes like this one, right in your inbox!

Recipe and photos by Sarah Anderson.

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10 All-White Party Outfits To Style For Your Next Summer Invite

If there’s one thing about the weather outside warming up, it’s that it has us itching to wear all white and only white. Because of the “no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day '' rule that was put into place who knows how long ago by we don't-know-who, the color doesn’t get a lot of love during the winter months, but wearing all white is SUCH a vibe. However, thanks to this rule, all-white ensembles are always reminiscent of long summer days that lead into long summer nights.

In fact, wearing all white is such a striking fashion moment that ‘white parties’ have become a popularized summer event thanks to mentions in the media like Gossip Girl’s acclaimed Hamptons white party, or RHOBH’s Kyle Richards’ annual ivory-only summer soiree. Even if you aren’t a part of New York’s elite or a housewife in Beverly Hills, that doesn’t mean that you can’t partake in this seasonal trend, too.

Flowy dresses, linen sets, eyelet details, and delicate cuts all bring so much versatility to the soft colorway that is white. If you’re feeling inspired to host your own white party this summer, or if you already have a few on your calendar to attend, find our top apparel selects that fit the theme below.

Shop White Party Outfits Here!

H&M Linen Blended Pants

These pants are so effortlessly cool, both literally and figuratively. The wide legs, oversized back pockets, and low waist keep them on-trend, while the breathable linen fabric makes them perfect for hotter temps. Not to mention, they’ll pair easily with just about every top that’s already in your closet.

Sabo Skirt Marita Dress

Want to know how to look super chic with minimal effort? This delicate maxi dress is your answer. The dramatic ankle length of this dress makes it an obvious choice for nighttime white parties, but the playful back cut-out and tie maintain the youthful energy that comes out in all of us during the summer.

Current Air Cara Sleeveless Pleated Mini Dress

If you are as obsessed with tenniscore as we are following the premiere of the Challengers movie, then this mini dress is the white party ‘fit for you! The drop waist and subtle ruffled collar detail make it feel like it could be worn court-side if the party you’re attending happens to have a net and a few extra rackets handy; you’ll be sure to channel your inner Zendaya in this piece.

Diarrablu Satu Dress

Caftan dresses are the best for keeping you cool while still making you look majestic af. This one-shoulder shift dress has gorgeous details including monochrome appliques and a scalloped slit that sits beautifully on all body types. Available in a size range of XS to 3XL, it beautifully fuses elegance and comfort for a timeless look that transitions seamlessly from season to season.

Cupshe Ivory Textured Square Neck Lace-Up One-Piece

If your white party doubles as a pool party, then showing up in an ivory one-piece is a must. The full coverage bum will keep you feeling secure, while the lace-up back invites an element of edginess to this modern take on a classic bathing suit.

Showpo Tommy Two Piece Set

If I were to go to a white party this summer (read: someone please invite me to your white party this summer), then I’d wear this matching set. I love that it comes off as fashionable thanks to the on-trend sheer element and flattering fabric composition while feeling as comfortable as pajamas.

Praerie Margaret Dress

This high-low dress is simply stunning. With a square neck, romantic floral design, and puff sleeves, the Margaret dress is playful yet sophisticated and can be dressed down for lunchtime get-togethers, or styled more formally for evening events.

Petite Plume Women's Silk Pajama Set

Once the party is over and you’re ready to slip into something a bit more comfortable, this milky white set made from 100% mulberry silk will make you feel beyond luxe. The quintessential, timeless silhouette is sure to turn heads, so much so that if you throw this set on while your guests are still present, they’ll get the subtle hint that it’s time for them to go home; only after they ask where your set is from.

Abercrombie Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Short

Look and feel posh in a pair of tailored shorts if a dress just isn’t your thing. Abercrombie’s pleated highrise shorts bring an element of functionality to white party dressing. These shorts feature front and back pockets for your trinkets, belt loops that provide the opportunity for accessorizing, and a partially elasticated waistband offers extra comfort.

Pistola Grover Short Sleeve Field Suit

This jumpsuit is giving stylish mechanic, and we’re totally here for it. The all-white colorway offers an elevated, yet essential appeal to this all-in-one outfit. To make it feel a bit more feminine, pop the collar, roll up the pant legs, add some kitten heels, and as many accessories as you can handle.

Looking for more shopping and style advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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Header image via Praerie

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How To Train For A 5K, According To A (Very Fast) Professional Distance Runner

A 5K is a 3.12 mile race, and it's one of the most popular distances around the world for hobby joggers and elite athletes alike. Unlike a half marathon or full marathon, the 5K leaves you feeling tired, but able to actually walk afterwards — and with the same sense of accomplishment. Some seasoned runners may look down on the 5K, but I'm here to tell you that it's no small feat. In fact, in my 14 years of competitive running, the 5K was my main focus for 12 years.

If you're looking to run your first 5K and have no background in cardio or endurance sports, a simple google search for “beginner 5k workouts” will lead you to dozens of workout plans. While I have coached true beginners, my coaching specialty is with more intermedia runners, or runners trying to run their fastest 5K. You don't have to be a standout athlete or elite runner to set goals, and there are some simple steps everyone can take to get faster. Heres how to train for a 5K race, the Paxton way.

Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS

The first step to bettering your 5K is to pick a race and sign up for it — most cities have a few 5K to choose from each weekend, so there should be plenty to choose from. Having a race on the calendar ensures you won’t skip out on your training. I recommend giving yourself 8-10 weeks to properly train.

The best 5K training plans, in my opinion, include 4-5 days of running a week. Every week should include:

One or two speed workouts
A few easy jogs
A long run

You should never run hard or fast two days in a row — easy jogging and rest between speed workouts are both essential for rebuilding muscles damaged with hard workouts. Here's how each of the three main training workouts should go.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

Speed Workouts

Every speed workout should begin with a 5-10 minute jogging warm up and a 5-10 minute jog/walk cooldown. This will help ensure you do not pull or strain any muscles.

The actual "speed" part of speed workouts can go one of two ways:

Run 2-3 minutes at a harder 7 out of 10 effort, with a standing or walking rest of 2-3 minutes between each push.
Run 6-8 repeats of a steep hill for 45-60 seconds in length with a walk back down, before repeating again.

Note: These are not sprint workouts, and you should never push yourself so hard that you're lying on the ground gasping for air afterwards.

Easy Jogs

Easy jogs should be kept at a conversational pace, so this would be a good time to grab your girlfriend or hop on the phone if you want some company. The best jogs should be about 2-3 miles in length, or 20-35 minutes in duration.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS

Long Runs

Long runs are arguably the most important workout of the week, and anyone trying to better their 5K time should make sure to include them in their training plan. Like the name suggests, a long run should be your longest run of the week. Your longest run can be anywhere from three miles at the beginning of the plan to 12 miles if you're an experienced and seasoned vet. I recommend starting with 3 miles at the beginning of your 8-10 week plan and working your way up to 5-8 miles by the end. You should do this by adding one half to a full mile each week. Although it may sound silly to run 8 miles in order to run a 3.1 mile race, this will help build your endurance more than any of your other weekly runs. Having endurance will make the race seem easier, and I can guarantee you'll pass people left and right in your final mile.

Note: You should also have at least 10 days between your longest long run and your 5k race so that you can feel as fresh as possible on race day.

Photo by Blue Bird/PEXELS

The most important thing to remember on race day is to not go out too fast. If you sprint the first mile, the rest of the race will be miserable. Race day adrenaline will make you jittery and willing to sprint at the start, but working on controlling that will ensure a better race experience. Try to make your second and third mile faster than your first and give it all in the last .1 mile. After you’re done, soak in the race day atmosphere and grab a free banana! Don’t forget that the post race pain is temporary and remember not to sign up for another race while on an endorphin high!

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