Getting into a Healthy Routine with Couch to 5K

Over the past few years, Fisher-Titus has hosted several sessions of Couch to 5K. Couch to 5K is a free nine-week program that helps participants work their way up to running, jogging, or walking their first 5K. Through this program, there have been many local success stories where participants were able to jumpstart a new fitness routine with Couch to 5K.

Erica Bowman

Erica Bowman of Sandusky completed her first Couch to 5K program in the fall of 2017 after learning about it on the radio.

“The program was fun and challenging,” Erica said of her experience that first time. “I have exercise induced asthma and training myself to breathe correctly while running took time. The training program helped with the timing of runs and walks so I could concentrate on my breathing and endurance.”

Prior to Couch to 5K, Erica was not a runner.

“I fell in love with running through the program,” she said. “I also made lifelong friends with whom I still get together three years later to walk/run the trails and complete races. I am even godmother to the son of one of my Couch to 5K friends.”

Since that first program, Erica estimates she has completed more than 50 5K races both virtual and local, six 10K races, and a 15K.

Erica says Couch to 5K drove her to aim higher and create more challenging goals for herself.

“I have run a 10K and I’m training to complete my first half marathon this summer.” Erica said. “My ultimate goal is to run a full marathon at Disney World for my 40th birthday in two years.”

Cyndy Kenne

Norwalk resident Cyndy Kenne completed Couch to 5K for the first time in spring 2017. According to Cyndy, at that time her health was not in the best place and she struggled to walk up a flight of stairs. But, she was able to complete the program and it helped her kickstart a new, healthier lifestyle.

Since completing her first program, Cyndy estimates she’s participated in Couch to 5K seven times.

“Couch to 5K has impacted my life in so many ways!” said Cyndy. “I have made new friends, lost weight, increased my confidence, met new people at races, and have gotten to travel to new places to race.”

In 2019, Cyndy completed 20 5K races and one 10K race. On April 1st of 2020, she also completed the Winter Warrior challenge where she walked 250 miles over the course of four months.

Cyndy wants to let people know that you don’t have to be an athlete to participate in Couch to 5K and start a new, healthy routine.

“I’m not a ‘jock’ who can lose a little weight and run a marathon,” she says. “I have a 75% obstruction in my throat that makes it difficult to breathe, I’m still not skinny but, I’m healthier than some people who are.”

She invites everyone to try the program.

“If I can do this, you can,” Cyndy said. “If you think you can’t, meet me on the trail and we can do it together!”

For more information on the upcoming fall session of Couch to 5K, click here.