New Year Couch to 5KM Progress Update

Progress, Perseverance, and a Whole Lot of Rain

If the New Year Couch to 5k course has proven anything so far, it’s that determination shines brightest in the wettest weather. Since the programme kicked off, our runners have faced more rain than we have seen in any previous cohorts, but not once has it dampened their spirits. In fact, the grit and good humour shown by this group have become the defining features of the course.

Despite being a small group, every single runner is showing remarkable progress. To date, they’ve successfully completed Week 2, Run 3, which includes five intervals of 90‑second running, each followed by a two‑minute recovery walk. It is a challenging session for early weeks, but the team has taken it in their stride, quite literally.

One of the standout strengths of this group is how quickly they have embraced the importance of technique. From breathing patterns to posture and pacing, they are already applying the fundamentals that make running feel smoother, safer, and more sustainable. The results are showing. Confidence is growing. Strides are lengthening. And the belief that “I can do this” is becoming stronger with every session.

This course is not about speed. It’s about endurance, strength, and stamina, building the foundations that will carry each runner through longer intervals and, ultimately, across that 5km finish line. The progress so far shows just how capable this group is.

This Saturday at parkrun, the team steps up to the next milestone: Week 3, Run 1, introducing a new challenge with a combination of 90‑second and 3‑minute running intervals. It’s a big leap, but one they are more than ready for.

Keep an eye out for more updates as this brilliant group continues to grow, push forward, and prove what’s possible when community, commitment, and a little bit of rain come together.