Graduation Day for Couch to 5K participants

An amazing 40 participants completed SLT’s Couch to 5K graduation held at Tipton Sports Academy on Saturday 2nd July.
The participants completed 12 ½ laps of the athletics track to complete the nine-week healthy lifestyle programme in a brilliant community atmosphere. Couch to 5k is designed for absolute beginners, so whether you've never run before or you want to get back into being more active, it's an easy way to get fitter and healthier. Whilst there are other Couch to 5K programmes operated our research indicated that people were not comfortable running in the local park as they were very conscious about how they looked. Our closed environment and training with like-minded people are the perfect combination for anyone wanting to take their first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
84 participants started the programme, and a graduation of rate 47% is almost twice the national average.
Nikki Tranter, Assistant Manager at Tipton Sports Academy commented “It has been great to see so many people start a new journey on a healthy lifestyle with us. Well done to all those that took part and graduated from the programme. It’s great to see the friendships that have been made and support networks for each other outside of the group sessions. The team at TSA are incredibly proud of everyone’s achievements and finishing the programme. Well done to all involved.”
“I would also like to issue a big thank you to Donna and Steve (Spike) for coaching the sessions for the last 9 weeks. We have received some great feedback about our coaches from those who took part, and both Donna and Steve are looking forward to the next one!”
Participants were keen to share their experiences after finishing to try and help more people take that first step towards a new healthier lifestyle:
Jason Bullas commented “I signed up because I wanted the challenge of something different as I'm not much of a runner to be honest and I'm so glad I did. I found the programme very easy to stick to and the motivation from Donna and Spike was amazing. On the last week Spike ran with me, which helped a lot as I don't think I would of kept the pace I did if he wasn't by my side so his support was much appreciated. I feel proud that I've managed to complete the programme as it's given me the springboard to do other things such as couch to 10k for example and maybe other things at the Tipton Sports Academy. I really enjoyed attending each Saturday morning.”
Another participant Deepali Gaonkar also added "Thank you SLT. I’m glad that I enrolled. Combined with Yoga and diet, I lost 7 kilos.”
Neil Duggan from SLT's Marketing & Business Development team commented "we are delighted with the continued success of these programmes. To get forty complete beginners to run 5K in just nine weeks in something all the team are very proud of. The participants were very a determined team and didn't let the recent hot weather become an excuse to miss any sessions. This was a fantastic event for the community of Tipton. If anyone is considering trying the course, I strongly recommend you go for it, it's amazing and will change your life. Not to mention the other awesome things that Tipton Sports Academy and SLT have to offer. Check it out, you won't regret it. "
The next course will be advertised on SLT’s social media channels and website.