Word from the Couch

Pauline - "Albeit I have completed the C25K 9-week programme a couple of times before, I haven’t been able to since early 2024. So, when we saw the new 2025 C25K programme advertised in January I decided to give it a go. (I had put on weight and felt very unfit). This is because I know it’s a gradual build up i.e. to begin with mostly walking around the track with just a couple of minutes jogging. I knew that I could stop & walk at any time. I know that it’s not a race or a competition that each person can go at their comfortable pace. There are people there with mixed abilities and there is always a friendly person to talk to should you want to whilst walking/running round."

Pauline & Lesley Thursday AM Abbey Track Session

Lesley - "Although I have always enjoyed walking, most of my time was spent at a computer desk, and I was prone to getting aches in my shoulders and lower back, which I would relieve with some simple exercises. My daughter had heard of the Couch to 5K course and had mentioned it a few times. After I started, even though I found even the first few weeks very hard, the support from the C25K course Leaders and many other supporters from local running clubs, together with the friendship from other members of the course, really kept me going. I was so very unfit to start with at week 1, but managed to do the 5K at week 9, very slowly but without stopping. 

I am much fitter than I was at the start. I have continued to meet up with others to run and try to keep my fitness up. I have really benefitted from being outside in the fresh air, enjoying the local area and the friends I have made have had a big impact on my mental health as I have looked forward to seeing them each week.