One of the most popular ways to start running is the Couch to 5k program, where you alternate jogging with walking and build up your stamina and time spent running over a period of 9 weeks. It’s endorsed by the NHS and is a fantastic way of starting to run if you’ve never done it before.
There are loads of different ways to access the program. You can get an overview of each week on the NHS website here, where you will also find links to download the NHS Couch to 5k weekly podcasts and the One You Couch to 5k app.
There’s also the Couch to 5K app by Active Network (£2.99 iOS/£2.79 Android), which gives you different options for trainers, allows you to play your own music and works with Apple Watch. Get it on iOS here or Android here.
There’s also the C25K running trainer by Zen Labs, which you can find here for iOS or here for Android, both for free.
If you don’t fancy doing Couch to 5K (although why you wouldn’t I don’t know), there are other beginner’s guides available online. Runner’s World has various plans here, including a 7 week walking plan that will get your body ready to start running.
Popular running app MapMyRun also has a 4 week beginner’s plan here.
