90 sign up for Couch to 5K fitness plan

90 sign up for Couch to 5K fitness plan

4 January 2017

SAINTFIELD Striders running club are starting a Couch to 5K programme — and are overwhelmed at the interest so far.

Ninety people signed up for the first evening of the nine-week programme on Monday at Saintfield Sports Club and more turned up on the night.

The Couch to 5K programme is a popular NHS initiative aimed at getting people of all fitness levels moving, and eventually running.

Saintfield Striders was set up in November. Founder Gillian Johnston, who recently spoke of her shock and delight in the local interest of the fledgling running club, said this was continuing with  their latest programme.

Gillian, whose late dad David Jameson was well known for launching Saintfield United Football Club, was a keen hockey player, but after branching into camogie she suffered a serious hand injury.

Facing a long recovery, she said she could not fathom a life without exercise and decided to give running a try.

The first week of the nine-week Couch to 5k programme, set up by coach Norman Mawhinney,  started on Monday evening, but it is possible for interested new members to join next week.

“Still come along, we are prepared to work with anybody,” said Gillian.

“It is a programme that goes from walking, to be able to run for 30 minutes without any stops.

“It can be hard to find someone to go out jogging with that is at your level. We want people to have company and be more motivated.

“It has been such a whirlwind since we set up the running club. We are overwhelmed at the response.”

More details are available on the Saintfield Striders Facebook page.