In this episode of the Podcast Giovanna Fletcher sits down with the unstoppable Sara Davies MBE, entrepreneur, star of Dragons’ Den and crafter. Couch to 5K has played a significant part in Sara’s life. It didn’t start with a dream of being fit or fast. It began with a warning from her mum that running would give her saggy boobs! But things changed dramatically a few years later, after a visit to the doctor.

Giovanna discovers that Sara’s first taste of running came many years earlier. She and her friend decided to get fit and take part in the Great North Run so that they could arrive at university looking ‘fit and ‘sexy’ with runner’s bodies.

Sara tells Giovanna that six years ago as she filmed her first series of Dragons’ Den, she realised she was overweight, two dress sizes bigger than she should be and without motivation. Seeing herself on national TV persuaded her to do something about it.

She had a medical ‘MOT’ as she knew she had a background of gestational diabetes. The doctor advised her to start running. At first, the thought of committing time in a busy life seemed too much. The doctor prescribed a 5:30am start, Couch to 5K and off she went!

Sara talks about the ups and downs of running as a busy mum and businesswoman. She tells the podcast she uses her runs to clear her head. And whenever work-stress, family-life or any other pressure gets too much, instead of lying in bed worrying, she’ll get out on an early morning run to help her clear her head. As she says, it’s like magic and she always comes back with the answer.

Giovanna teases out her stories from Strictly and Sara reveals that getting to be on Dragons’ Den was a move planned to give her an opportunity to appear on the dance show, which was her life's ambition. She was a female investor and also had 15 years experience presenting on Shopping TV and a friend called-up the BBC to persuade them to give her an audition to become a Dragon.

At 40, she had another body ‘MOT’ as she’d become less fit and was putting on weight. Sara was told she was heading for pre-diabetes and got ‘the kick up the bum’ she needed. The doctor recommended running once more. Sara signed up for the Great North Run and got back to fitness and healthy eating.

Sara’s fantasy run is very close to home in her beloved North East, yet a part of the country she only relatively recently discovered.

This week we have two Couch buddies who’ve sent voice notes to Giovanna:

Adam is 51 and from Wellingborough in Northamptonshire. He tells a remarkable journey of weight-loss. At one stage he was 38 stone. He started Couch to 5K at 21 stone. He now finds himself literally half the man he used to be. Adam had never run before. He’s now moved up through Park Run, 10K, half marathons and in 2025 the London Marathon. Couch, he says, has changed his life. And he loves it.

Ellen is 25. She’s from Hackney in London and had never run before doing the Couch to 5K programme. She found it manageable but hard. Ellen still finds running humbles her. But she’s proud to commit to something she finds difficult. She say running is now part of her personality

FAQ's

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

In this episode Dr Alex George shares his inspiring journey from struggles with grief, mental health and weight into fitness and running…and finding joy in life.

Dr Alex is a former A&E doctor who attracted a large social media following after appearing as a contestant on the TV show Love Island. During the pandemic, he became a trusted voice with his insights from the frontline. He’s now an author of four books and has been a Government youth ambassador on mental health.

Alex tells Giovanna about the grief he’s had in his life. In July 2020 his youngest brother Llŷr died by suicide. And whilst a young doctor in Devon, a close friend from medical school died of cancer.

He talks openly about the pivotal moment in his life when he recognised the need for change which led him to become alcohol-free and start an exercise journey which began with gentle walking and moved on to running.

Giovanna discovers just how big the change in his life has been over the last two years. He’s gone from an unfit 20 stone, struggling with mental health, to a runner, gym goer and exercise-lover. Alex reveals that he’s still been in some difficult places but details how the life-changes have helped him to cope and find joy.

He tells Giovanna that he believes running has given him happiness, confidence and resilience but admits it’s not always easy. Alex urges everyone not to lose the joy of running, believing it’s more important to take in nature and have fun than going quickly.

His fantasy run is in a North American National Park – although he shares with Giovanna that he would give anything for one more run along a beach in South Wales with his brother who’s passed away.

He concludes the podcast saying Couch to 5K is one of the greatest health interventions ever. He believes it changes the downward slope of health deterioration moving people into a positive space, where they can see real results.

Our couch buddies on this episode are:

Lynn, who’s 53 and from Derbyshire. She began the programme to help with her health issues which included diabetes and celiac disease. Before starting running she had her worse blood test results ever. But since running, she’s seen a massive positive change in her health markers.

Ray is 61 and from Hampton in London. He had a heart attack and triple by-pass surgery before starting the Couch to 5K programme. He’s had to re-start twice more because of further health issues. But following medical advice, he’s now completed Couch and gone on to run more that 100 Park Runs. Ray says it’s been life changing and he has loved the whole community of support.

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

The Couch to 5K Podcast

Strictly’s Jowita Przystal is Giovanna Fletcher’s guest on today’s podcast. She tells how a life-long love of dancing has now been joined by a complete love of running.

Jowita started dancing as a little girl in Poland. Giovanna discovers that she loved all forms of dance…except ballroom. Eventually, encouraged by her mother, Jowita took to it, started competing and took the path to becoming a professional.

Her ambition was to become a professional on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. And she left her homeland with a one-way ticket, no job, just a suitcase and a determination to get her place on the TV programme. She discovered that doing well on The Greatest Dancer was going to be the best way of achieving her goal. She got on the programme and won it in 2020 which won her a guest spot on Strictly. A year later, she was offered a place on the hit show. And in her first series claimed the Glitter Ball Trophy.

Jowita’s running journey has not been so straight forward. When she first tried it, her dancing fitness coach told her she couldn’t run because she was heavy-footed. It put her off!

She started running again to take part in the Great Manchester Run in 2025. She wanted to do something to raise money for the Dogs Trust Charity after visiting it with her Strictly Partner Pete Wicks, an Ambassador for the Charity. After her bad experience before, she sought advice on what to do, bought herself some running shoes and after a jog along a beach found she was loving running.

However, just 2 weeks before the Run, Jowita injured her ankle which she feared could mean not only missing the race but might also impact her dancing career. She tried a number of remedies as she was desperate to take part. The night before the event, she went on her own fitness test before deciding she was fit. The following day Jowita beat her best time by 9 minutes!

Jowita’s fantasy run is somewhere hot by the sea. And her favourite track is something of a classic from Depeche Mode.

We also hear from 2 couch buddies who are part of the UK Couch to 5K community.

Simon is 36 from Oxford and decided to get fit to improve his health. He’s found it to be something that helps with his mindfulness and finding peace. He now writes about it and encourages others to sign-up.

Christine is 27 and from Liverpool, living in Edinburgh. She began the programme because she was embarrassed at her lack of fitness. She says it’s built-up her confidence to the point that she’s a different person. It’s improved her mood, sleep and eating habits. She’s still running 2-3 times a week and her one regret is not starting it sooner.

Thanks for listening!

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

The Couch to 5K Podcast

Britain’s most successful female Olympian is Giovanna Fletcher’s guest on this episode. Dame Laura Kenny talks about her switch from full-time cyclist to being a runner and a very busy mum, competitiveness with her husband Sir Jason Kenny and a heartbreaking time trying to conceive.

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

FAQ's

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

Giovanna Fletcher welcomes Colson Smith, the Coronation Street actor who’s been through a remarkable body transformation and running journey.

Colson joined the Street aged 11 and his character, PC Craig Tinker, has just been killed-off. Colson believes he was originally hired because of his looks; ‘the ginger fat kid’ is how he describes it.

He talks to Giovanna about how he hated running and PE at school, finding creative ways to avoid it and speaks openly about making his debut at 11 on TV and reading the hurtful social media comments about his size and his body. He explains that he always wanted to change but didn’t know how to. And he felt pressure to stay as he was as his job and role was to be fat and funny.

Colson also talks about his first experiences of going to a gym and a crash and burn approach to dieting at the age of 18. He tells Giovanna he’d go a day without food and then be so hungry that he’d drive to a fast-food restaurant and binge on 4 meals.

When lockdown hit, Colson, without work for the first time since 11, felt liberated. He went on his first run at night to avoid being seen, hidden by a balaclava and cap. He talks honestly about his progress and the realisation that what started as running to lose weight became running for enjoyment.

In a moving conversation Colson tells Giovanna that he now likes himself, something he didn’t in the past. And that running has changed his life in so many ways using it as a tool for many reasons from enjoyment and progress to being out in nature.

He also reveals how Fern Britton came to the rescue when he was encased in the Big Brother house, getting frustrated at the lack of exercise! He tells Giovanna that he can’t think of an aspect of life that running has not made better.

Colson’s fantasy run is in a European city he’s not previously visited, getting his trainers on and getting lost.

His top piece advice to beginners is to get out there and do it for yourself.

And his favourite running track is Van Morrison singing Days Like This.

Also on the podcast we hear from 2 Couch Buddies.

Daniel talks about starting Couch to 5K to improve his overall fitness. He’s 32 and a lorry driver and was weighing more than 22 stone. He describes the struggle at the start but how he now loves running and how his life has changed dramatically.

Charlotte talks about taking up running to improve her health having never done any regular exercise. Like Daniel, she feels the programme has changed her life for the better.

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

FAQ's

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1082307672?pt=117868640&ct=BBC%20Podcast%20Series%201&mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.couchto5K&hl=en_GB&gl=US

In this episode Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Dr Punam Krishan – GP, mum, and passionate supporter of Couch to 5K.

Dr Punam shares her personal journey into running, reflecting on the physical and mental health benefits it’s brought her and why she often recommends the Couch to 5K programme to her patients.

A regular on the BBC’s Morning Live, Dr Punam is both a medical expert and a realist. She understands the challenges many of us face in finding time to exercise, but she’s a firm believer in the long-term health benefits of making it part of our lives.

She reveals to Giovanna that her running journey began in 2024 when she was invited to take part in Strictly Come Dancing. At the time, she wasn’t a runner – and still doesn’t claim to love it – but she’s found a way to make it work for her.

After recommending Couch to 5K to patients, she decided to try it herself, choosing Jo Whiley as her coach. She returned to the programme in 2025 and is now encouraging Morning Live viewers to get involved too.

In her GP practice, Dr Punam regularly promotes walking and running to help manage conditions like weight issues, type 2 diabetes, heart problems, perimenopause symptoms, and mental health struggles.

Coming from a South Asian background, she speaks passionately about breaking down cultural taboos around exercise. She’s working to challenge old attitudes and create new habits in her community – and she’s proud that her own parents have taken up brisk walking to manage their health, something she couldn’t have imagined growing up.

In this episode, Dr Punam also shares practical advice for beginners, especially on how to avoid injury. Her biggest tip? Listen to your body. Rest, stay hydrated, and don’t skip those warm-ups and cool-downs.

She finds her most rewarding runs happen when she ditches the music and heads into nature. Listening to the birds, watching the clouds, and soaking up the greenery helps clear her mind and gives her a much-needed break from screens. She calls running her “pill of endorphins.”

Her fantasy run takes place in a special part of Scotland, her favourite track comes from an American rapper. Her ultimate advice? Just give it a go – and make it your journey.

We also hear inspiring stories from the Couch to 5K community:

• Carly and Sandra, a mother and daughter, discovered they’d both started the programme at the same time. Now they cheer each other on and run side by side.

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

FAQ's

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

Giovanna chats today to Lindsey Burrow, the widow of rugby legend Rob who passed away in June 2024 after a very public battle with MND. Lindsey is a mum of three, a physio in the NHS and she’s also written a book about caring for Rob, called Take Care.

Lindsey and Rob shared their journey of MND to raise awareness of the condition. Her conversation with Giovanna is raw and authentic but also uplifting. It’s full of messages of resilience and positivity.

Lindsey talks about how she used running and exercise to help her through the stress of caring and through grief. It’s been a huge part of her coping mechanism...a time when she could take a break from having to think about what she was facing, from bringing up three children and from being a carer.

She tells Giovanna how she managed to make time to exercise and how she juggled so many aspects of her life. She’s maintained her running since Rob died and has embarked on a big challenge in 2025, running two marathons in two weeks. She is determined to show life is for living and to do something her late husband would have been proud of.

Lindsey talks about the moment their lives changed with the MND diagnosis and the point Rob said ‘no more tears’.

Her new book Take Care shines a light on the role of carers and the important part they play alongside the NHS. Lindsey is an NHS worker and she passionately believes Couch to 5K can play a big role in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Her fantasy run is somewhere quiet and anonymous with her daughter alongside her to keep her going. And her favourite running music track is the theme music from a famous film from the 1980’s.

On the podcast we also hear from two ‘Couch Buddies’ who’ve completed the 9 weeks of the Couch to 5K programme.

Jeremy(54) from Derbyshire took to running after his wife died of bowel cancer last year. He wanted to get fit and have something positive to focus on. He’s found himself feeling much better about himself, it’s helped his mental health and he feels he’s doing something his wife would be proud of.

Gemma started Couch to 5K after he gran died of cancer. She wanted to take part in Race for Life but had not done any running since school. Like Jeremy, running gave her something to focus on. She discovered a Facebook community for motivation and went on to create a UK Facebook Group. She loves the friendliness and support it gives to runners of all abilities.

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

FAQ's

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

Giovana Fletcher’s guest today is Charley Marlowe, Tik Tok star and TV presenter, who’s fun and energy is infectious. She talks about the pressure she finds working in the media in her early twenties.

Charley’s dad was in the Army – so fitness and running has always been around her. But she didn’t really embrace it. She once did a charity 10K in Cyprus to support her dad but she and her mum walked and came last.

Charley’s relationship with exercise has improved with age. But she’s still not able to sustain it. She has started Couch to 5K three times but never got beyond week 1. And she’s always stuck to the treadmill as she has a fear of being seen out running by other people.

In conversation with Giovanna she recognises she should be doing more and she makes a pledge that exercise and Couch to 5K will be a goal for the rest of the year.

Giovanna’s tip to her is to get her running kit ready beside her bed at night to make it easy to get out in the morning. Whilst Charley’s tip to herself is to pull her finger out and just do it!

Charley’s fantasy run is on a track by herself with her essential music track from a star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

On this episode we’ll also hear from two Couch Buddies who’ve ‘graduated’ from the programme.

Zephy is 36, had ADHS and is a mum of 3. She shut herself away after having two miscarriages but began running to find some calm and time for herself. She had never run before but now says it’s been life-changing.

Marie is 46 and started Couch to 5K because she put weight on. She felt embarrassed running in public at 16 stone in her hometown. But she got over this stigma after joining a running group. She’s now proud and not embarrassed whilst on her runs.

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

FAQ's

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside.

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take longer if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app

Welcome to the first Couch to 5K podcast where we’re helping you along your running journey. Giovanna Fletcher’s guest today is Jo Whiley, Radio 2 presenter, Glastonbury host, lover of music, nature and exercise and running ‘coach’.

Jo is one of the Couch to 5K coaches on the app which is partnered by BBC Sport and the NHS. She reveals that taking on that role has been one of the best things she’s done in her career. Jo was never a runner and didn’t like athletics and cross country at school.

But a few years ago she was encouraged to train for the Great North Run with her daughter and had the best time which completely changed her attitude.

Now she’s surprised at how many people come up to her at festivals and want to talk running. She’s met so many Couch to 5K graduates and she’s touched by how many people have told her it’s changed their lives.

Jo goes on to talk about how exercise helped her get her mojo back after the menopause left her feeling fragile, vulnerable and a shadow of herself.

Her fantasy run is Sitges in Spain along the esplanade with her daughter. And her essential running track comes from an Australian solo artist. Her top tip is to give yourself an extra push on the days when you don’t want to go out running.

On the podcast we’ll also hear from our Coach Buddies – Couch to 5K graduates who tell their own stories.

Emily 40 tells her journey after energy-sapping cancer treatment and how Couch to 5K helped her back to fitness.

Allan had a serious car injury and had to learn to walk again over many months. He had never been a runner but his wife suggested taking on Couch to 5K. He tells how it’s made him fit again to enable him to play with his young boys. He also calls Jo his second wife!

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher

FAQ's

What is Couch to 5K?

It’s a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners.

How do you do Couch to 5K?

Download an app(details below) and away you go!

Can you do Couch to 5K on a treadmill?

Yes, on a treadmill or outside

How does Couch to 5K work?

You will have a trainer in the app starting you off with a mix of running and walking.

How long does Couch to 5K take?

You’ll be going out 3 times a week for 9 weeks going at a pace that feels right for you. You’ll run a little further each week. You can repeat weeks and take your time if you want to.

You can download the NHS Couch to 5K app :

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1082307672?pt=117868640&ct=BBC%20Podcast%20Series%201&mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.couchto5K&hl=en_GB&gl=US

Giovanna Fletcher presents the Couch to 5K Podcast new to BBC Sounds. You'll find inspiration and motivation as you head off on one of your runs.