I was 40 years old when I was incarcerated and I could barely run around the block. To challenge myself physically and to feel like I was doing something for myself, I joined a couch to 5K running program. The program runs three times a week over nine weeks and is structured around run-walk intervals.
At the start there is more walking less running, by the end of the 9 weeks you can run 5K in 30 minutes. After being involved in six couch to 5Ks I have recognized the benefits of group running. In the program, there are many different physical abilities but the main ability you need is strength of mind. Before we start we stretch and walk a lap around the oval, we talk shit, spin a yarn, and sometimes keep our conversation topics out of jail. When we start running we are all very encouraging, sometimes the men who can already run 5K are there JUST to encourage a friend and others just to “keep going” and don’t stop. As a group, we are more accountable for turning up, because sometimes the hardest thing is to just “TURN UP”.
Running or group running is not only about cardio fitness, blood sugar, weight loss, cholesterol, or brain function. It also gives a sense of community and camaraderie, as we are all in this together. We have a BBQ for the men who complete the running program. I facilitated my last couch to 5K in 2024 and I am so happy for the participants who got through and are on their own fitness journey. We have formed a running group and run 5 or 10K three times a week. It’s been over six years since I ran my first 5K and I am so happy and grateful for my fitness. Before I was incarcerated I would never have dreamed of being so fit.
Thank you for reading and I hope this inspires you to start your own or participate in a couch to 5K running program. Maybe you can help someone else.
Regards,
George
I was 40 years old when I was incarcerated and I could barely run around the block. To challenge myself physically and to feel like I was doing something for myself, I joined a couch to 5K running program. The program runs three times a week over nine weeks and is structured around run-walk intervals.
At the start there is more walking less running, by the end of the 9 weeks you can run 5K in 30 minutes. After being involved in six couch to 5Ks I have recognized the benefits of group running. In the program, there are many different physical abilities but the main ability you need is strength of mind. Before we start we stretch and walk a lap around the oval, we talk shit, spin a yarn, and sometimes keep our conversation topics out of jail. When we start running we are all very encouraging, sometimes the men who can already run 5K are there JUST to encourage a friend and others just to “keep going” and don’t stop. As a group, we are more accountable for turning up, because sometimes the hardest thing is to just “TURN UP”.
Running or group running is not only about cardio fitness, blood sugar, weight loss, cholesterol, or brain function. It also gives a sense of community and camaraderie, as we are all in this together. We have a BBQ for the men who complete the running program. I facilitated my last couch to 5K in 2024 and I am so happy for the participants who got through and are on their own fitness journey. We have formed a running group and run 5 or 10K three times a week. It’s been over six years since I ran my first 5K and I am so happy and grateful for my fitness. Before I was incarcerated I would never have dreamed of being so fit.
Thank you for reading and I hope this inspires you to start your own or participate in a couch to 5K running program. Maybe you can help someone else.
Regards,
George
Your contributions are the centerpiece of the paper. If you would like to contribute to our Letters section, please send your letters to the below postal address:
Or via email:
When I paint, I'm not in prison anymore. I'm lost for hours in my artwork.
I’d think there are a lot of inmates looking for someone to talk to, for some people it might help with the healing process.
Since having my first ever grandson nearly 3 years ago now, it’s made me realise that I not only want to change, but I need to do it not only for myself but for my family.
My name is Jean. I am a wiry spitfire, 65 years young, and incarcerated for the past 24 years with a L.W.O.P. (Life Without Parole) sentence.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Your browser window currently does not have enough height, or is zoomed in too far to view our website content correctly. Once the window reaches the minimum required height or zoom percentage, the content will display automatically.
Alternatively, you can learn more via the links below.
Leave a Comment
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere. uis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.