Physical Health Facilitator
“I joined the Health and Hustle in January this year as part of my New Year resolution to get fit and complete the Couch to 5k (C25K). I’d seen posts on social media about H8H and heard about the C25K through Indi-to-go. So I spoke to Kev, registered with H8H and joined the C25K - ‘New year, new challenge!’
"I am the original couch potato. Before joining the C25K I had done absolutely no exercise since cross country at school. Week 1 was a challenge – I was really huffing and puffing. But as the weeks wore on I could feel my fitness levels gradually improving and my huffing and puffing getting gradually less.
“The C25K is a nine-week programme which involves three runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each week. On Week 1 we began with a brisk five-minute walk, then alternated one minute of running and one-and-a-half minutes of walking, for 20 minutes.
“On Week 2 we alternated one-and-a-half minutes of running with two minutes of walking, and as the weeks progressed we increased the amount of running time and decreased the amount of walking time, to gradually improve our stamina.
“I got to Week 8 and managed to run for 25 minutes without stopping or walking. I couldn’t believe it – I was so proud of myself. If you’d have told me on Week 1 that I would be running for 25 minutes non-stop in just eight weeks, I would never have believed it possible.
“But then Covid struck and lockdown meant C25K had to be put on hold. We were so close to reaching Week 9 and completing the programme. I had even signed up to do the Cheltenham Challenge in June which, like all major events, sadly had to be cancelled due to Covid.
“The Couch to 5K recommenced in August and the group went back to Week 1and the start of the programme. All those months out of action meant we had to build our stamina back up again. It was a bit tough starting from scratch, but I knew that if I could run for 25 minutes before, I could definitely do it again.
"I have met some really amazing colleagues through C25K. The team are really behind each other, offering support and encouragement, and this has really helped me to keep going and achieve my goals.
“The best thing about the C25K running group is that you don’t have to be the fastest or the fittest - nobody’s judging you. Everyone’s really supportive and encouraging and we all have the same goal – to get fitter and more active. And if I can do it, anybody can!