Offload the Christmas indulgence and join Deestriders for their New Year ‘Couch To 5k’ sessions

It’s that time of year when many of us will make a New Year’s resolution – maybe to lose weight, quit smoking or drink less.

A recurring theme of many a resolution is health and fitness, but more often than not the best-laid plans and intentions usually lie in tatters by early February.

For those wanting to offload some of that Christmas indulgence and get fit in 2019, make new friends and possibly take up a new hobby, local running club Deestriders may just have what you’re after!

Following on from the success of last year’s programme, the green gang are once again putting on a “Couch To 5k” event in the New Year for those wanting to start or resume running.

(5K is short for 5 kilometers, or 5,000 meters or 3.1 miles)

[The green gang – Deestriders Running Club]

Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners. It was developed by a new runner, Josh Clark, who wanted to help his 50-something mum get off the couch and start running, too.

Couch to 5K starts with a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina.

Week 1 involves running for just a minute at a time, creating realistic expectations and making the challenge feel achievable right from the start.

On your first day, you run for one minute. Then you walk for 90 seconds. Then you run for one minute again. After 20 minutes you’re done.

By the end of the program, you’re able to run for half an hour without stopping.

Sarah Brown, a graduate of last year’s Couch to 5K sessions run by Deestriders has gone on to break the 60-minute mark for 10k, she said:

“The club members were so encouraging. I enjoyed the programme so much I decided to join Deestriders.
 
I’ve represented the club at the Borders League and am looking forward to completing a half marathon and metric marathon in 2019.”

Deestriders Running Club free-to-join sessions go from Corus (Rowleys Drive) in Shotton at 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

The sessions will last for nine weeks, starting Tuesday 8 January and culminate in participants taking part in a 5k event.

The running club says there is no obligation to join as a member, “but you may wish to do so!”

For more information join the Facebook event “Deestriders Running Club Couch To 5k” or contact Nige Parr (club secretary) on nigeparr@gmail.com