Keen to Start Running? Why Not Take the Couch to 5k Challenge
You’ve made the decision to get more physical activity into your week and feel that running is the best place to start. Good thinking! It’s free, needs minimum equipment and you can take those first pensive steps on your own. It can feel like you’re heading into unknown territory but having an end goal will help keep you focused and motivated. The NHS Couch to 5K is the perfect place to start, helping you gradually work up towards running 5K in just 9 weeks.
The challenge is a running plan designed for complete beginners, developed by a new runner, Josh Clark, who wanted to help his 50-something mum get off the couch and start running, too.It involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks.
Achievable Results
Couch to 5K kick off with a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina. This helps keep things achievable, often when you first start a new exercise, it’s easy to overdo things, leaving you feeling defeated and you give up when we’re just getting started.
With week 1 involving a minute at a time, creating realistic expectations and making the challenge feel achievable right from the start.
Benefits of Regular Running
According to the NHS website, running has numerous benefits, including improving the health of your heart and lungs, helping you lose weight. There some evidence it may help increase bone density, which can help protect against bone diseases like osteoporosis.
For mental benefits, taking on a challenge like Couch to 5K can help boost your confidence and self-belief, as you prove to yourself that you can set yourself a target and achieve a goal.
Running regularly can also be a great stress reliever and has even been shown to combat depression.
Ready To Start?
Begin by downloading the Couch to 5K app on your mobile phone.
And dowload the Couch to 5K podcasts to your mobile device or computer. (be aware, that if downloading to a computer, you’ll need to copy the podcast on to your mobile device.)
Build a running plan into your week, think about where you’ll run and get some suitable running gear; trainers, comfortable clothes and bear in mind that if you’re running at night, reflective clothes will keep you safe. Remember that no one else will know you’re just starting out so put in your headphones and take in the scenery while listening to the encouraging words, keeping you going, on the podcast.
Sometimes, it’s easier to start something new and take on a challenge with a friend where you can encourage and spur each other on during the tough days.
If you need some tips, head over to the NHS Get Running with Couch to 5K.
Choose an activity you enjoy. Start slowly and build up gradually. You’ll still be making progress and will enjoy it more.
