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
