“Using Couch to 5K may feel like a step back, but I would say it’s a step in the right direction. It will help progress your running gradually as you build your stamina and fitness back up,” Ian Scarrott, PT and running coach for PureGym Loughborough, tells Stylist.

“As you go through the programme, you will build back good habits, relearn how to pace yourself so you don’t overcook it and, if you do, it doesn’t matter – some days you’ll feel good when you run, and some days you won’t. Try and see this as a step forward – you’re building back structure and routine, and keeping yourself accountable – which are all positive things.”

Arj Thiruchelvam, head coach at Performance Physique, has supported everyone from novice runners to Team GB Olympians for 17 years now, and he is a big advocate of Couch to 5K – particularly for helping beginners get started. But as for redoing the process after years of running, Thiruchelvam isn’t convinced.

“After 6 years of running, I’ve just started Couch to 5K again – here’s why”