Run programme offers you route from couch to 5k

STUART PIKE

AN exercise programme for inexperienced runners is back up and running at Marl Pits running track.

Rossendale Leisure Trust’s ‘ Up and Active’ team are excited to offer the popular Couch to 5k exercise programme.

The Couch to 5k plan is designed to get people off the couch and gradually work them up to running 5k in just nine weeks.

The challenge, comprised of two 30-minute sessions a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm, is suitable for people who have never run before or merely want to get back into being more active.

The new course started on Monday, June 5 and is free. Organiser Linda ●● The Couch to 5k spring team in Rossendale Searle said the sessions have been well attended.

She said: “The Couch 2 5k has been designed for people who have done little or no running.

“There are lots of benefits to joining the Couch 2 5k, including getting your- self fit, losing weight, boosting your mood and feeling energised. Almost 40 people braved the wind and the rain this week, with 38 people attending the Monday session and over 50 people, all beginners, attending Wednes- day night’s session.”

The programme starts with a mix of running and walking, gradually building up fitness levels and stamina slowly, therefore creating realistic expectations and making the challenge feel achievable.

Participants can come to both sessions or just the one and can also download podcasts to do additional sessions in their own time.

Alex Alvarez, who completed the course in the spring, said: “Couch to 5K was an absolutely brilliant way of getting back into exercise and running. It helped me rediscover my love of sport.”

Register at upandactive. co.uk. To find out more, call the Rossendale Up and Active team on 01706 221524 or email cheryl. goodman@rltrust.co.uk.