Everywhere You Need To Change Your Address When Moving

everywhere to change your address

I'm gearing up for a big move this summer, and in addition to finding an apartment, packing up my things, and decorating (my favorite part), there's another important step to add to my moving checklist: updating my address with everyone from my family and friends to magazine subscriptions and my bank.

If you're also preparing for a move, then you'll need to change your address too! Rather than making you scour the internet for ideas (who has time for that when you're moving?), I rounded up 12 of the places you need to change your address so you can focus on packing instead.

Change Your Address At These Places

Work + Money

  • Your Job
    • Not only will your boss need to know if you're moving (especially if you'll be OOO for a few days), but they'll need to update the records for your paycheck.
  • Tax Agencies
    • Definitely let the IRS and your accountant (if you have one) know you're moving so they won't be surprised. You can let the IRS know by adding your new address to your tax return, filling out one of their forms, or writing to them.
  • Bank + Credit Card Company
    • You don't want your card statements going to whoever moves in after you!
  • Financial Institutions
    • Your insurance providers, credit union, retirement accounts, social security (which you can do on your account), loan issuers, and accounts like PayPal and Venmo all need to know when you change your address.

Life

  • Utilities
    • This is an important one because if your electricity, water, gas, cell, internet, and cable don't know you've moved, they can't redirect their services to your new place!
  • DMV
    • Change the address on your driver's license, your vehicle and voter registrations, and your passport to make sure you can travel easily. Just call your DMV (or visit their website) to make sure you have whatever forms and fees your state requires.
  • USPS
    • Let the post office know you'll be moving and they'll be able to forward any mail that's addressed to your old home. The easiest way to change your address with the USPS is to do it on their site!

Fun

  • Subscriptions
    • Magazines, subscription boxes, and newsletters are just a few of the subscriptions to change your address with.
  • Memberships + Donations
    • This includes clubs, charities you work with, and nonprofits you donate to.
  • Retail Sites
    • There's a good chance that if you love online shopping, you saved your address on all your favorite sites. Make sure you update them to get your packages!
  • Streaming Services
    • Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, oh my! Make sure they have your new address on file for your billing statements.
  • Apps
    • Map apps often allow you to save your home address, and while this isn't the most important thing to update, it's still helpful ;).

Subscribe to our email newsletter for more moving tips and let us know where you changed your address on Twitter!

We’re all aware by now that switching to reusable straws, mugs, and water bottles is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint, but there’s more we can do in reducing the amount of waste we produce by reusing and recycling often.

“Plastic goes deeper than just straws — there is plastic hidden in so many items, from tea bags to gum,” says Kathryn Kellogg, founder of Going Zero Waste and author of101 Ways To Go Zero Waste.

It’s not just plastic that’s getting thrown away to landfills in exorbitant amounts. It’s paper products, textiles, and more miscellaneous materials that are unnecessarily ending up there.

“The average American throws out 4.4 pounds of trash every day,” Kellogg says. “But a few simple swaps can make a huge difference.” We don't have to wait for Earth Day to band together for Mother Earth — here are some small changes we can all make to change our trash habits, starting today.


Image via Kathryn Kellogg

1. Swap out plastic food wraps and containers for more sustainable options.

Plastic wraps and containers are another big environmental “don’t,” Kellogg says. Instead, opt for reusable beeswax wraps to preserve your food and invest in reusable, plastic-free containers and silicone bags instead of plastic ones to store food.

This especially comes into play during meal prep when you’re packing lunches, Kellogg adds, which is often the most wasteful meal of the day when it comes to using disposables.

Photo by DS Stories / PEXELS

2. Be a beauty product minimalist.

Kellogg is a proponent of keeping a “capsule collection” of versatile staple beauty products, and she employs a “one in, one out” rule with all of her makeup and other products, so everything gets used to capacity before she buys something new. If she decides she isn’t a fan of a certain shade or type of product, she gifts it to a friend to try out rather than pitching it.

Kitsch Shea Butter Nourishing Conditioner Bar ($13)

3. Reduce the number of items used in your beauty routine.

It’s important to keep down the number of disposables you’re using in your skincare and beauty routine. “Put toner in a spray jar, and spray it on your face that way instead of using a cotton pad,” suggests Kellogg as one example. “It doubles the life of your toner, too.”

There are also easy opportunities for upcycling used beauty products, such as cleaning off and donating old mascara wands to help care for wildlife. Another great hack for reducing beauty disposables is opting for bars of soap rather than bottled products. Brands like Lush, Kitsch, and Brixycarry shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and body wash bars that omit plastic containers for eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Attachment ($99)

4. Make your toilet into a bidet.

“The number one thing I can recommend in your bathroom is getting a bidet attachment for your toilet," Kellogg says. "They help cut down on how much toilet paper you’re wasting, which for the average American is about three rolls a week.”

Getting the attachment is a financial and environmental investment, but it can even be more sanitary than toilet paper. If you do want to supplement with toilet paper, make sure you buy rolls made from recycled content or cardboard-less rolls.

Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS

5. Rethink your menstrual products.

You can’t stop your period from coming, but you can make more eco-friendly choices in dealing with it. Some people choose a menstrual cup, reusable cloth pads, or period underwear, but another solid option is a reusable tampon applicator and organic cotton tampons (not the standard kind, which contains other materials like rayon), which can actually be composted!

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric / PEXELS

6. Always buy lonely bananas.

Did you know that many grocery stores and markets throw away single bananas detached from a bunch at the end of each night? This is a huge environmental bummer, and it massively contributes to food waste and food insecurity.

“Bananas have a high carbon footprint, because many of them aren’t grown in the US,” Kellogg explains. There’s nothing at all wrong with a single banana, so you should buy them instead of letting them go to waste, she says. And when you do pick up produce, bring your own mesh produce bags or canvas totes to eliminate the need for single-use plastic grocery bags.

Photo by Dominika Roseclay / PEXELS

7. Brew your own tea.

Tea bags are one of those surprising items that actually contain microplastics, which then gets in our tea, and then in our bodies, Kellogg says. Brewing your own loose-leaf tea with reusable infusers is healthier for you and for the planet — and with the option to perfectly customize the blend, it can be even tastier, too.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

8. Find creative ways to cook with food scraps.

Ideally, we should waste no part of the ingredients that we’re cooking with, especially if they’re plants (many leaves, stems, and greens of fruits and vegetables are edible and can be incorporated into recipes — though there are a few notable exceptions, so be sure to Google first). To make a flavorful vegetable stock in your slow cooker, Kellogg recommends using the skins of onion and garlic.

Photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS

9. Enforce a 30-day clothing buy delay on yourself.

“Put a 30-day hold on anything you’re eyeing and feel like you want to buy — separate yourself from the feeling of wanting the item,” advises Kellogg. Marketers can really trap us and get us to spend money in stores or on their sites, but fast fashion and its processes, in particular, are hugely detrimental to the environment.

“If you feel like the piece is an investment for your closet, that you’ll get many wears out of, then purchase it,” Kellogg says. If not, shop secondhand at the thrift store, make use of clothing rental sites like, or swap clothes with friends!

Image via mill.

10. Rethink your trash.

If you aren't in a great position to compost, but still want to do more than just throw your food scraps away, check out Mill. Every member receives a Mill kitchen bin that dries and grinds kitchen scraps overnight to turn your banana peels, pizza crusts, and egg shells into food grounds, which can be sent back to farms instead of going into the landfill. The best part is that it can take the meat and dairy your compost bin can't, you only have to empty it every couple of weeks, and you don't have to deal with stinky trash anymore!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

11. Donate your clothes and household items to charities.

Once you’ve decided what does and doesn’t spark joy in your home, think twice before dumping bags off at a large donation center or thrift shop – where you don’t exactly know what will be done with the items, Kellogg says.

Be especially wary of curbside collection boxes, which often belong to for-profit organizations that ship the clothes overseas, where they flood the market, reducing demand for local craftspeople. These shipped textiles often end up in the ocean, too, harming the environment.

Reselling your clothes is a smart option, plus Kellogg suggests that you “try to find a specific charity for the specific pieces you have,” such as an organization that collects gently used prom dresses or interview-appropriate clothing for those in need.

Check out our Sustainability page for more creative ways to reduce waste!

Lead photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS.

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

This post has been updated.

Met Gala Monday has arrived, and it's making me think about all my favorite red carpet couplesBlake 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

Sure, chicken breastsare healthy and versatile, but let's be real: the thighs are the real winner. They're cheaper, juicier, and more flavorful, yet they're often overlooked. Why not give them the love they deserve?

Enter these crispy Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs with a yummy, easy pan sauce. Quick, easy, and involving a single skillet and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who haven't yet learned their way around a thigh. The best part? They're super versatile. If you want a tangier flavor, add more lemon. If you prefer a more savory dish, ease up on the honey.

Serve with your favorite veggies, and you've got four meals full of crispy, finger-lickin' chicken deliciousness in less than 45 minutes. Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs.


Ingredients for Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • juice of half of a lemon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, stems removed and chopped

Directions for Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Pat chicken thighs dry, and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle olive oil over the skin sides.
  2. Set a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until very browned and crispy, about 15 minutes. Readjust them about 5 minutes through so the fat touches the skillet and coats it with liquid.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat, and scatter garlic beside the chicken. Place the skillet in the oven until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  4. When the chicken is cooked through, set it on a separate plate, leaving the garlic and juices in the skillet. Add butter, lemon juice, and honey to the skillet, and stir, scraping off the browned bits, over low heat. When combined, replace the chicken, and spoon the sauce over the thighs. Garnish with parsley.

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Photos by Sara Cagle / Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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.

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

Header image via Praerie

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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Header image by Ashvin Praveen/Dupe