At Carryduff Running Club, we believe that everyone is a runner — whether you’re clocking sub-20 5Ks or just completing your first one. Between January and March 2025, a new group of runners took on our Couch to 5K programme, starting from scratch and crossing their first finish lines.
These are the voices of the runners who inspire us the most — people who didn’t think they could run, people returning from injury, and people looking for connection, confidence, or just some headspace. They remind us why CRC’s motto is “No one gets left behind.”
Here’s what they had to say, in their own words.
💬 Hayette: “Alone, I wouldn’t have been able to run 5K nonstop”
I thoroughly enjoyed the C25K with CRC after learning how to walk again two years ago after a severe brain injury.
I have got the help of wonderful and truly amazing coaches such as Roisin, Mark, Nuala, Pam, Alice, Laura and Karen to only name a few. Truly outstanding coaches! When I couldn’t keep up running, each coach encouraged me to keep me going (I can still hear Nuala’s voice in my head when I’m struggling)
Alone, I wouldn’t have been able to run 5k nonstop ever! And I would also like to thank my fellow couchers…they kept me going when running my last 5k when I thought I would faint. THANK YOU.
It’s truly amazing that I signed up to join the club. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. For me, I discovered where to run in Carryduff area in a safe way which is brand new and making new friends in this truly awesome country that is NI.
– Hayette
💬 Michelle: “I never thought of myself as a runner”
I never thought of myself as a runner but a friend saw the couch to 5k advertised and asked me would I be interested so I thought I would give it a go!
I was a bit hesitant as we had tried something similar before but gave up after 2 weeks thinking it wasn’t our thing but maybe we just weren’t ready or in the right frame of mind at the time.
This time round was completely different. Every single week I still had to motivate myself and push myself out the door but once I started I wanted more and due to the coaches and the other runners and all their encouragement.
I honestly can say I thoroughly enjoyed every single week of the full ten weeks and I’m definitely going to continue on this journey and keep running! I’m excited to be able to run a 5k something which I never thought I would be capable of. Running for me is definitely a huge stress reliever and a safe space for me and I just loved being part of the group.
– Michelle
💬 Emma: “I wanted to see if I could catch the running bug”
As someone who previously tried running when we all had no other options during COVID lockdowns, I thought I’d give a structured programme one last shot to see if I could catch the running “bug” I kept hearing about. I also wanted to integrate more into my community through a healthy activity.
Our first night was spent running around in an actual snow blizzard in January. During this run I was regretting how much wine I had consumed over Christmas that made me to think 10 weeks of this would be a good idea!
Gradually, week on week, I started looking forward to our two runs. My fellow couchers were from a range of backgrounds, ages and abilities but we soon formed strong friendships – some of whom I already know will extend beyond the programme.
The associated WhatsApp group was a flurry of activity after each session with coaches and fellow couchers sharing information and inspiring each other to keep going.
I know I couldn’t have completed the programme without the motivation from others. The coaches were a constant reassurance to us all throughout; offering expertise, running/ medical advice and helpful tips for improvement. They truly personified the club motto of “leaving nobody behind.”
I’m looking forward to continuing my running journey with such a welcoming, supportive and inclusive club.
– Emma
💬 Eoin: “Thrilled to graduate as a full club member!”
A big shout out to the CRC coaching crew for a fantastic C25K program! It definitely had its challenges, but the unwavering coaching support and light hearted vibes made all the difference. Thrilled to graduate as a full club member, ready to tackle many more kilometres ahead!
– Eoin
💬 Jenni: “From not being able to run the length of myself to 5K”
What a fantastic 10 weeks doing couch to 5K. To go from not being able to run the length of myself to running 5K is unbelievable. I’ll never forget the jump from 90 seconds to 3 minutes!!!!
Every step of the way the coaches were with you regardless of your ability. They just knew when you needed them to banish self-doubt. I feel so much better in myself and have met great people along the way.
– Jenni