Steve Cram CBE - believe in yourself and trust the plan

Giovanna’s guest today is one of the greatest names in British Athletics, Steve Cram. If you’re doing the NHS Couch to 5k programme, you’ll know he’s one of the coaches. He still loves running and the grassroots of the sport after an illustrious career.

Giovanna finds out how the boy from Jarrow went on to become such a great. He talks about taking up running through to becoming an Olympian and World Record holder.

Steve talks about the influences in his life, including a number of familiar names for athletics fans. And what it’s like to break a world record.

But his passion for running goes way beyond his past achievements…and even his time in the commentary box for the BBC.

Steve tells Giovanna there are very similar principles whether standing on the start line at the Olympics or completing Couch to 5k programme. Have a plan, trust the training and have a go! And generally the hardest part of any run is getting out of the door.

It’s an entertaining episode with lots of great advice from Steve who also meets Kev, who had Steve as his Couch to 5k coach.

Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher Producer: Mark Shardlow Exec Producer: Katherine Hogan

For more information on the NHS Couch to 5K programme follow the link below and download the free app.

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/?WT.mc_ID=Couch_Podcast_BetterHealth&wt.tsrc=display

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'll find the NHS Couch to 5K app in all the usual places you get your apps from.