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The success of the Mallow ‘Couch to 5k’ programme continues, with more people looking to shed some pounds and improve their wellbeing. Photo: iStock

By Alex Sheehan

Mallow Athletic Club’s ‘Couch to 5K’ programme is back and proving more and more popular each year. The programme, which is in its third year now, has more participants than ever with thanks to the television show ‘Operation Transformation’.

Padraic Birmingham who started the programme, believes the show has encouraged many people to get active and take up running, “Lots of people who inquire about the programme start with the conversation ‘I was following the programme Operation Transformation and would like to continue what I started.’”

The number of participants has increased each year with 55 people in 2013 and 70 people in 2014. Throughout the 12 week programme numbers naturally decline, but the majority of participants stick with the programme. Some participants get the ‘running bug’ and even join the Mallow AC traning sessions, with some going on to run the Mallow 10 mile road race.

“We would have had a approximately 5-8 runners from the 2013 class that did the Mallow 10. Some went on to run the Cork half marathon also,” Padraic said, “this year we expect a lot more to run the Mallow 10, approximately 15 to 20 people.”

FOR BEGINNERS

The Couch to 5K is aimed at total beginners. There is no minimum fitness level, in fact you do not need to be fit at all, Padraic said, “It is aimed towards total beginners. If you can run already then you will be bored with this group.”

When advising novice runners, Padraic said it is important to start slow, “Running for beginners is not about how fast you can go but how long can you run while enjoying it.”

Go to mallowac.ie for more details

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