Harry and Izzy Judd - from teen pop star to serious marathon runner

McFly’s drummer Harry Judd talks about his switch from a pop star lifestyle to running marathons…quickly. Whilst his wife Izzy, an author and presenter, reveals her exercise journey was surrounded by fertility issues and mindfulness.

The pair are great friends with presenter Giovanna Fletcher, who’s husband Tom is also part of McFly. And they’ve known each other for twenty years….in fact back to a time when Harry didn’t exercise and just ate pizzas and sweets whilst on tour.

Strictly Come Dancing winner Harry reveals it was during a McFly recording session in Australia when he decided to run a marathon for a cancer charity. He wasn’t exercising at the time and was drinking and smoking. But this didn’t stop him. He did it again 4 years later, as he moved to a healthier lifestyle. And is now committed to (obsessed with) trying to run a marathon in under 3 hours.

Izzy, who presents the Music & Meditation Podcast on BBC Sounds, is less competitive and is happy with finding a place for running which fits in to her lifestyle, rather than stress about getting out.

The pair talk about the juggles of family life, with 3 children to look after, as well as their own careers – at the time of recording Harry is presenting a Breakfast Radio Show.

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.