Testimonials
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I am a recent graduate of R101 (Couch to 5k), currently enrolled in the "Masters" program, and most importantly I am no longer a Coucher!! The inspirational emails (from which I have stolen many quotes and posted on my cork board in my office) which I eagerly await because I know they will contain something to motivate me, make me smile, and often times laugh (rather loudly). It took a lot for me to join the group. One, because I was doing it by myself. Two, I was not in good shape physically, mentally or otherwise. So, I got approval from my doctor and I showed up in the Colonial Bank parking lot excited and scared. I quickly learned how out of shape I clearly was and how quick I could get in shape. If you have joined the group or thinking about joining, or whatever, Danny's emails always tell you that other people will want know how far are running, etc. When people ask me about running, I would say "I can't explain it. It just makes me feel really good on the inside." Well, now I can articulate that saying. . . I just got full clearance from my cardiologist! I can do whatever I want (this coming from a person who could not even get life insurance). I made sure the doctor knew it was all because of Danny and Couch to 5k. Don't be surprised if you have some heart patients joining soon. My heart thanks you. I thank you.
Linda H.
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Let's just say I'm built for comfort not for speed...let's say that while I played soccer for many years as a kid, even then I negotiated positions not requiring long bouts of running...let's say that I can still walk faster than i can run...but let's also say that thanks to Danny's program I ran my first 5K and I'm the one itching to go run several times a week now. The energy of the group, the hilarious emails, the camraderie for many of us first time runners...all facilitated with support and grace from Danny made me realize some goals I'm not even sure that I had! My husband and I make a date of running and even though he is faster than I am we are both eager to work 2-3 miles into our day...around our 3 kids' schedules because running is making us happier, healthier and heck, we'll be around longer to drive them crazy! Let's just say I've drunk the Kool-Aid...Thanks Danny! OH MY GOODNESS – I am a runner!!! As I approached my 57th year (2/25) and with another “0” birthday looming on the horizon; the thought of running a 5K did not seem an obtainable goal. But….I DID IT thanks to Danny and the “Couch to 5K” program. When he spoke & outlined the program at the Information Meeting I was hooked. Oh and the emails….WOW! Even when I was tired or it was too cold, he gave me the inspiration to keep on going. Now I AM A RUNNER – thank you Danny!!! Marianne J Leven Just show up that first time-Danny will take care of everything else. You will get caught up in his enthusiasm. He believes you can do it; and pretty soon you believe you can do it too. I cave to peer pressure in these group runs, and so does everyone else. I saw one of our guys stop to walk very close to the end of one of our group runs. One of our ladies ran up behind him, grabbed his arm and said “Nope, you are not quitting, you are almost there”. He picked right up and ran on in. That’s what the group mentality does for you. Julie Thomasson Danny's Couch to 5K program has, indeed, moved me from the couch straight to the 5K in a matter of 6 short weeks. I had been active in my 20's and 30's, but had really fallen off the wagon over the past 10 years - or, I should say, I had fallen into the couch and developed some very bad eating habits. It's a little scary when your internist is frustrated with you. Danny's program of gradual adaptation moves you from the couch to running 1, then 2, and then 3 miles - all while making new friends, getting inspired, and dropping a few pounds along the way. It's amazingly simple. In the past, I had begun running programs or bicycling programs that were designed to accomplish the same result - better fitness and weight loss. But I found that every time, doing a program solo gave me all the responsibility for not only doing the running or biking, but also keeping myself motivated. Danny's program provides you with a proven schedule of very do-able runs, a cool group of folks like yourself to run with (i.e., all beginners like you), and loads of motivation. It's still hard for me to believe that, in only 3 or 4 hours of total involvement per week, over a period of 6 weeks, you can actually change your life. I'm on to the 10K - and beyond!
Eddie Finn Think you cant run around the block without passing out. That was me. Then around Christmas I read an article about Danny and his couch potato to 5k. program. I thought what the heck, Ill try it. This is the first "athletic" program of any kind I have even attempted. Well, I did it I actually ran a 5k event. Dannys training method is a proven success, for many of us who simply thought we just couldnt see ourselves doing this. He motivates us to go beyond what we think we can do and do a lot more. I know I couldnt have done this on my own, I would have given up quickly. I feel so much better about myself and I just plain feel better. Think you cant. Think again. I did it and so can you with Dannys help. Cheryl Brewster When you begin something you've never done before you want knowledge, patience and encouragement. This is Danny! Running is something I wanted to try and I wanted help. His schedules to reach my goal were achievable. I believe he truly wants to help others be healthy for a lifetime. He has the gift of encouragement and patience. His emails are amazing! His words of encouragement are in my head as I run. If you are considering running, let Danny help you achieve your goal. The group runs are fun and everyone is so friendly! It's been a great experience for me! I'm moving on to the next race. You can do this and you'll be glad you did! Sandra Jones When my wife ( 54 years young) said she planned to join the Couch Potato to 5K program, I silently smiled to myself, knowing that she had never done anything athletic, but thought I might tag along and see how it would go. To my surprise, she pressed me to keep up and not only met the 5K goal but started on the 10K program and for someone “not athletic” has been remarkably inspiring to her old out of shape couch potato spouse. Danny is incredible in his instruction as well as commitment to this group. And we met some new friends during this adventure that we will continue to run with! What fun for old and young alike even with not so great athletic abilities. Rufus and Beth Elliott Over the years I have tried various forms of “fitness programs”, even running. Being so eager to see results, I usually ended up overdoing = injured and totally discouraged. After reading the Birmingham News article during the Christmas holidays, I decided to give running one more try and signed up for the Couch to 5K, and am now participating in the 10K extension. Yes, I have some aches and pains on occasion, and yes, sometimes I have schedule conflicts and cannot make all the group runs, but the support and enthusiasm from Danny and the other runners have kept me going! This is a very user friendly program that is slow paced (i.e., couch potato), but very much results oriented (5 K)—absolutely no emphasis on speed, just finishing-- at your own pace. Martha Sanderson |
