‘Prima got me running 5K!’
When Clare Parker, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, saw our Couch to 5K article, she began a journey she didn’t expect
One reader’s journey from couch to 5K
‘It’s 7am and I’ve just laced up my grey and pink trainers. As I quietly close the back door behind me, I’m greeted by the cool and crisp outside air. I smile. It’s been six months since I started going for these morning jogs and yet I’m still surprised at myself for coming this far. I got fit at 58, and it’s all thanks to Prima!
Although I’ve always enjoyed walking and the outdoors, I never used to be sporty. In my 30s, I joined a gym and tried going to fitness classes, but struggled with motivation. I remember one day thinking, “I’m paying for this membership and not using it at all!”
With five children and a busy job as a teaching assistant at a primary school, I had my hands full, and found it difficult to make time for exercise. Then, as my kids became adults themselves and I reached my 50s, I thought it meant I was “past it”. How wrong I was…
When the April issue of Prima landed on my doormat earlier this year, I spotted the article on Couch to 5K. I’d never even heard of it before and was intrigued. As I read about the nine-week programme that promises to ease you in slowly and get you running 5K by the end of it, I felt really inspired. Back then, schools were closed, so I had more time on my hands. “I might as well give it a go,” I said to my husband, Don. I wasn’t overweight or unhealthy, but seeing the effects of coronavirus also made me feel as though it was a better time than any to get fit.
The next day, I dug out an old pair of trainers and walked through my back gate into a big open field with a footpath, and set off.
It was a gentle start. The first week alternates 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. There’s an app you can download to guide you, but I just followed the instructions in Prima and timed myself on my phone. I didn’t find it too difficult and when I got home, I promised myself I’d keep going with it – and I did.
As the weeks went on, the programme gradually built up the running and eased off the walking, but did it in a way that I felt was manageable for me.
At first, I was worried about what people thought of me during my runs, especially when I was stopping. But slowly over the weeks, as I got fitter, that self-consciousness began to melt away and I felt more confident.
The programme did get tough, and I had to repeat week six, but at this point, I’d really started to enjoy it. I had a newfound sense of purpose and loved how the fresh air cleared my head.
Don and the children were all impressed with me – and nearly as surprised as I was! Ten weeks later, I set off for the final 5K run of the programme. I loved every minute as I pounded the nowfamiliar footpath with the beautiful countryside around me. When I finished, I’d never before felt such a sense of achievement.
Now, I go for a morning jog three times a week in the brand new kit and trainers I treated myself to. I manage a total of 15K and even though I still stop every so often for a quick breather when I run, I’m so proud of myself.
I’d advise anyone to give Couch to 5K a go, even if you think you’re too old or not sporty. I’m so glad that I didn’t let those feelings put me off, because I feel so much happier and healthier these days. Prima inspired me, now I hope to do the same for others.’
‘I’d advise anyone to give Couch to 5K a go’