U to Running - 5km Challenge
There are many health and wellness benefits you get from running. It's a very easy way of improving your physical health, and requires very little equipment, although we do recommend that you buy a good pair of running shoes that suit your foot type.
However we fully understand that taking up running can seem quite a scary idea, especially if you’ve not exercised in a while and you feel out of shape.
What is the U Perform - U to Running - 5km Challenge?
Our 5km Challenge has been especially designed for beginners by Professor Greg Whyte OBE, and will help you gradually work up towards running 5K in just 8 weeks.
Greg’s plan involves a few runs every week, with specific rest days, and a carefully designed training schedule for each of the 8 weeks.
Why should you sign up for the U Perform - U to Running - 5km Challenge?
One of the biggest challenges facing a new runner is not knowing how or where to start. It is very common to overdo it in the beginning, which can cause us to give up and feel deflated just as we’re getting started.
Greg has trained many celebrities and clients over the years, many of whom were complete beginners. His wealth of knowledge and understanding, means that the U Perform 5km Challenge is very gradual, and designed to build up your fitness and stamina.
You will find the training easy to follow, creating realistic expectations and making it feel achievable right from the start.
Who is the U Perform - U to Running - 5km Challenge for?
The U Perform 5km Challenge is for everyone. If you’ve never run before, or you simply want to get into running more regularly and become more active, this challenge is a free and easy way to get fitter and healthier.
If you have any health concerns, we would recommend that you make an appointment to see your GP and discuss it with them first. Why not sign up, download the plan and take it with you when you see your GP.
What are the health benefits of running?
When you start running regularly, you will improve the health of your heart and lungs. It can also help you lose weight, especially if combined with a healthy diet, and there's evidence it may help increase bone density in some people, which can help protect against bone diseases like osteoporosis.
There are also mental health benefits of running. Running regularly can be a great stress reliever and has even been shown to combat depression.
Taking on the U Perform 5K challenge can help boost your confidence and self-belief, as you prove to yourself that you can set yourself a target and achieve a goal.
Once you’ve completed the challenge why not sign up to your local Parkrun and join an amazing community of like minded runners who meet up every Saturday morning at 9am and run 5km.