Dame Laura Kenny on taking up running, competitiveness with her husband Jason and exercise in pregnancy.

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.

Laura was born with a collapsed lung and had asthma as a child. The consultant advised being active and going swimming as a way of helping her condition. But it was a family holiday in 2000 that dramatically changed Laura’s sporting journey.

Her mum had been diagnosed with obesity. And changed her life around to such an extent that she lost 8½ stone. Laura and her sister were taken on family bike rides. And the rest is history!

Running has come more recently. As a cyclist, she was not allowed to do it because it worked the wrong muscle groups. But as soon as she finished on the bike she took to the road on two legs.

Laura talks about keeping up exercise during pregnancy and trying to find time as a parent of young children. She’s very open about her fertility struggles and the mental battle she faced after a miscarriage and, shortly after, an ectopic pregnancy. And she tells Giovana that she believes cycling saved her mental health. She says she would gladly have swapped all her Olympic medals for another baby.

Exercise, says Laura, has made her a better version of herself and a better mum.

Her fantasy run is along the seafront in Majorca

Laura’s top tip is to think about the freedom running will give and urges newcomers to give it a try.

And her musical track might have been Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, however she has been influenced by her son, Albie, who’s become obsessed with music from a band which is close to Giovanna’s heart.

We’ll also hear from two Couch Buddies, who are part of the UK Couch to 5K community.

Amy, 29, started the programme because she was struggling with her mental health and loneliness. Running got her out of the house 3 times a week. It took her 6 months to complete but she’s now gone on to run the London marathon. She says running Couch has given her so much confidence and belief.

Phil, 48, started it to try to “beat the average” and live a longer life following the death of his parents. He also needed to improve his fitness to achieve his ambition of becoming a special constable. He hadn’t run for 30 years. Now he takes his running shoes everywhere he goes.

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

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/gb/app/nhs-couch-to-5k/id1082307672 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.couchto5K&hl=en_GB&gl=US