A NEW Couch to 5k course is starting in Redditch in September offering novices the chance to take up running.
The popular course, designed for absolute beginners, has seen many successes previously and will be starting new sessions from Sunday, September 2, throughout the week and at various locations across the borough.
Anyone that wants to ditch the couch and start running can become able and confident to run five kilometres over the nine-week course, taking place on:
Sundays: 9.30am at the Abbey Stadium Track
Mondays: 11.30am at Morton Stanley Park
Mondays: 7pm at Arrow Valley Lake, Stitch Meadow
Tuesdays: 7pm at Batchley Pond (by the playpark)
Wednesdays: 7.30pm at the Abbey Track
Thursdays: 9.30am at the Abbey Track
The weekly sessions are led by qualified run leaders and supported by the NHS, and include a series of downloadable podcasts designed to structure each run with music and coaching to develop running technique, speed and stamina progressively over time, as well as a companion smartphone app.
Sessions last approximately 45 minutes.
Many graduates from local Couch to 5k groups go on to join local running groups, including parkrun, and continue a new healthier lifestyle.
Regular brisk exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke, boost mood and control weight.
For more information see www.redditchbc.gov.uk or contact sports development on 01527 881404 or [email protected]
