Heathfield Road Runners – Couch to 5K
- Greg Collins
- Jan 10, 2018
- 3 min read
In 2017 we organised our first Couch to 5K programme that was a great success and we are now planning to run this course twice a year to encourage people to get started and to build their confidence to the point where they can join the club if they wish.
The course is run and supported by UK Athletics Run Leaders and aims to guide people through the NHS 10 week programme to help new runners get up and moving and running 5K by the end of the course. In our first course we had 16 new runners – 14 of whom managed to get to 5k by the end of the course. Those who did not manage 5k had a range of health and life problems that made progress more challenging but we hope they may join us again in the future.
The course is very gentle to start with and really just gets people moving and used to jogging for a minute or two. Almost all people expressed disbelief that they could move from this slow start to running 5K – but we think it is the slow start that really helps. It builds confidence (more than 50% of the difficulty for most people) and helps to “injury proof” new runners by giving their muscles the time to get used to a new activity. Many of the graduates of the course have gone on to join the HRR Club and some have run 10K and even a half marathon!! Others have struggled with illness and/or injury and kept running at a lower level – although they tell us they are still glad they did it! So much so that some are going to repeat the course the next time it is run!
These are some of the comments we have had:
“I enjoyed meeting new people and the support network – and doing something I never thought I would be able to do!”
“go for it – don’t be scared – if you can afford it invest in some new trainers”
“I’ve inspired my 11 year old daughter who is very proud of me!”
“I had been suffering from Post Natal Depression – running has really helped me keep a clear head and focus on something good”
“running on your own can be daunting at first – so running with others really helps keep the momentum going”
“running has really made me feel better about myself mentally and physically”.
“I enjoyed doing something for me, escapism, making friends, improving my fitness, the challenge – I feel the course was perfect for everyone”
“I can run 10K now!”
“I absolutely loved having a goal each week and for us as a group achieving it together”
“Running for 20 mins without stopping – we just could not believe we did it”
“I did not expect all the help and support from all the HRRs that came along every week – There was always someone making sure we were okay and offering advice and encouragement”
“Running has been life changing for me – something that is just for me. I sleep really well and legs are toning up nicely!”
I think these comments say it all! If you want to find out more email:
Or join the Heathfield Road Runners Couch to 5k Facebook page for up to date information.
Next Couch to 5k Course
Calling all new runners – the New Year is here and we hope you are ready to get those trainers on! A new couch to 5K course will be starting the week beginning Monday 15th January 2018. At the moment it looks like we can support 2 groups as follows:
Monday (1st session 15th Jan) – meeting at the coop at 6.30pm
Thursday (1st session 18th Jan) – meeting at the car park opposite Waitrose at 6pm
You are welcome to attend either session (or both) – as they will both be working through the same programme – and you will need to be prepared to repeat the sessions a total of 3 times each week (including the one you come along to) – if you want to get the most out of it. We welcome young and old, fit and unfit, men and women – come along and give us a try. Post any questions below and spread the word!
If you want to find out more email:
Or join the Heathfield Road Runners Couch to 5k Facebook page for up to date information.
