Now that the weather is starting to turn warmer, many people
will get the inclination to start running. I started running in May of 2013,
mainly for health reasons. Ans I know many others that started running in
May/June, so I though I would publish some helpful Couch to 5K resources for
those of you ready to become a runner.
Obviously my first stop is the NHS
Couch to 5K program. It’s a 9-week program and has helpful hints on
progressions. It also has an App you can follow to keep you going.
There is also the Couch25K
website itself. It is also a 9-week program and has plenty of articles on
running with your pet, running for beginners and a list of books to help you
with your running.
BBC has a Couch 25K running challenge, if that’s the kind of
thing that motivates you. Many of us do well when we’re challenging ourselves.
This too is a 9-week program.
And, finally, there are many Personal Trainers who provide
Couch 25K programs. Bjorn of Bjornfit has
an online Couch 25K forum on Facebook and provides gym clients help with
running specific training and injury prevention.
My advice as a Sports Therapist is that you progress slowly.
Don’t go out too quickly, let your body adapt to the training. Often, I treat
people who have started or recently started running again, who don’t let their
body adapt. This can lead to shin splints (MTSS), Achilles tendinopathies,
plantar fasciitis and many other injuries. So, progress no more than 10%
mileage per week, and be sure to eat enough food and sleep enough in the
evening to recover properly.
If you’re interested in sports injuries and injury
prevention and have any questions, please email me
sara@prestigesportinjury.co.uk
