Running group ‘Beat The Couch’ in style

For the third year, participants in Bermuda’s popular “Beat the Couch” programme faced their challenge head on and completed the “Sir” Stanley Burgess 5K road race on Sunday.

This was the culmination of a 10-week running programme aimed at getting sedentary people off the couch and 5K fit in a fun and supportive group environment.

On race day, 70 islanders met their goals – with 65 running and 5 walking. Times achieved ranged from 26 to 47 minutes, with every single one of them “beating the couch”.

As in all previous events, the entrants raced to the finish line ahead of a couch-on-wheels pushed by one of Bermuda’s most inspirational runners, Ashley Estwanik. The couch zipped along North Shore weighed down by four children, hot on the heels of the racers.

Beat the Couch, led by Nutritional Therapist Catherine Burns of Natural Ltd, is focused on those who have never been fit, or who have let their fitness lapse. It reaches a very diverse range of people, across a wide spectrum of ages, involving young people in their twenties, as well as older participants in their sixties. The majority of the training sessions are led by professional trainers Sergio White and Chuck Morgan, with Mrs. Burns leading some social sessions too.

Speaking after the event, Mrs. Burns said: “It’s so hard to explain just how proud of our team we are. Every single person here made a commitment 10 weeks ago and followed through on their goals despite many obstacles thrown in their way.

“They have been an exceptionally supportive group and we have seen so many bonds form and friendships blossom that may not have occurred in day-to-day life. That’s one of the things we love about this programme — we have a very diverse range of participants but it’s an extremely unifying experience.”

A group photo of the team, nicknamed #couchbeaters has gained lots of support from the community on Facebook, with many people congratulating those involved. Many of the elated participants have given kudos to their coaches.

Nic Dee tweeted: “I could never have done this without your support, and tremendous positive energy! I wasn't sure it could be done but you made me a believer!”

While Jacquilline Muregerera added: “The three of you really are miracle workers. You have had such a positive impact on my life, it's absolutely amazing. Thank you!”