Discover The Couch to 5K Podcast: Your Running Journey Starts Here
The *Couch to 5K* podcast, presented by BBC Sport and hosted by Giovanna Fletcher, is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin their running journey. Whether you’re new to fitness, returning after a break, or simply want to boost your motivation, this series offers guidance, support, and relatable stories to keep you moving.
Each episode features heartfelt conversations with special guests who open up about their personal experiences with health, fitness, and the hurdles they’ve faced. These inspiring stories serve as a reminder that the road to better health is different for everyone—and that it’s never too late to start.
The podcast complements the popular *NHS Couch to 5K* app, a structured nine-week program developed in collaboration with the BBC and the Department of Health and Social Care. Designed to gradually build up your stamina, the plan takes you from a mostly inactive lifestyle to running 5 kilometers with confidence. With more than 7 million downloads, the app has transformed countless lives by helping people incorporate running into their daily routine.
A standout feature of both the podcast and the app is the encouraging guidance from familiar voices in British sport. Listeners can choose to be coached through their sessions by Olympic gold medalist Dame Denise Lewis or world 1500m champion Steve Cram. Their motivating advice and calm reassurance make every run more enjoyable and achievable.
The *Couch to 5K* podcast isn’t just about running—it’s about improving overall well-being. From boosting mental health to building self-discipline, listeners are encouraged to focus on progress, not perfection. Fletcher’s warm, empathetic approach makes each episode feel like a conversation with a friend who genuinely cares about your journey.
Available on BBC Sounds and other major podcast platforms, this series is an excellent companion whether you’re walking, jogging, or taking that first run. It’s about more than just reaching 5K; it’s about discovering your strength, embracing change, and finding joy in movement.
To get started, download the *NHS Couch to 5K* app and tune in to the podcast to hear voices that will lift you up and stories that will push you forward—one step at a time.
