[parkersweb]

Around 15 years ago couch to 5k was what did it for me.

For years I’d battled with the perception of sports I’d been give by school - that sports were for those who ‘had ability’. I didn’t have ability, never got picked for teams, and consequently didn’t ‘do’ sport.

When it’s tried running in the past I would go out once, feel rubbish, then never run again. Couch to 5k gives you a framework to make small exertions that feel challenging without defeating you entirely, then gradually increases those exertions until you’re running 5k without difficulty.

The other switch for me was psychological. Doing sport isn’t about being objectively ‘good’ at it, or about being faster than other people. I compete against myself only, and do it for the physical and mental health benefits.

Can definitely recommend Parkrun too if you have one near you - a little bit of community can be really helpful. The times when you least feel like exercising are often the times when it’s most needed - and community can help keep the rhythm going in those times.