Reece Parkinson and Sally Chambers - Running with a Chronic Illness

Today's conversation is about running with a life-changing condition. Couch to 5k coach and TV and radio presenter Reece Parkinson talks about his relationship with running after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Alongside him is Sally Chambers, who used Reece as a coach on the app and became a friend. She talks about how she uses running after being told she has stage 4 bowel cancer.

Reece is familiar as one of the voices of the NHS Couch to 5k app. He believes running is an armour for life after being diagnosed with type1 diabetes at just 26 whilst recording a TV documentary.

He ‘met’ Sally Chambers on a live radio feature about Couch to 5k. They went on to meet in person at a local Park Run and have become friends ever since. Sally was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and she explains how running has helped her since 2019. She's now part of the 5k Your Way movement for people impacted by cancer.

Sally tells Giovanna that she has been through more than 50 cycles of chemotherapy and thought she’d never run again after multiple surgeries. However, she has now completed more than 100 Park Runs. And gets out three times a week between her chemo treatment. She says it’s given her sanity back and provides her with headspace.

There's an obvious mutual respect between Reece and Sally with a heart-lifting unity over what running and Couch to 5k can do for people.

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.