Dr Alex George – From an ED doctor to Love Island and why Couch to 5K is one of the greatest ever health interventions

In this episode Dr Alex George shares his inspiring journey from struggles with grief, mental health and weight into fitness and running…and finding joy in life.

Dr Alex is a former A&E doctor who attracted a large social media following after appearing as a contestant on the TV show Love Island. During the pandemic, he became a trusted voice with his insights from the frontline. He’s now an author of four books and has been a Government youth ambassador on mental health.

Alex tells Giovanna about the grief he’s had in his life. In July 2020 his youngest brother Llŷr died by suicide. And whilst a young doctor in Devon, a close friend from medical school died of cancer.

He talks openly about the pivotal moment in his life when he recognised the need for change which led him to become alcohol-free and start an exercise journey which began with gentle walking and moved on to running.

Giovanna discovers just how big the change in his life has been over the last two years. He’s gone from an unfit 20 stone, struggling with mental health, to a runner, gym goer and exercise-lover. Alex reveals that he’s still been in some difficult places but details how the life-changes have helped him to cope and find joy.

He tells Giovanna that he believes running has given him happiness, confidence and resilience but admits it’s not always easy. Alex urges everyone not to lose the joy of running, believing it’s more important to take in nature and have fun than going quickly.

His fantasy run is in a North American National Park – although he shares with Giovanna that he would give anything for one more run along a beach in South Wales with his brother who’s passed away.

He concludes the podcast saying Couch to 5K is one of the greatest health interventions ever. He believes it changes the downward slope of health deterioration moving people into a positive space, where they can see real results.

Our couch buddies on this episode are:

Lynn, who’s 53 and from Derbyshire. She began the programme to help with her health issues which included diabetes and celiac disease. Before starting running she had her worse blood test results ever. But since running, she’s seen a massive positive change in her health markers.

Ray is 61 and from Hampton in London. He had a heart attack and triple by-pass surgery before starting the Couch to 5K programme. He’s had to re-start twice more because of further health issues. But following medical advice, he’s now completed Couch and gone on to run more that 100 Park Runs. Ray says it’s been life changing and he has loved the whole community of support.

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 can download the NHS Couch to 5K app Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1082307672?pt=117868640&ct=BBC%20Podcast%20Series%201&mt=8 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.couchto5K&hl=en_GB&gl=US

The Couch to 5K Podcast Presenter: Giovanna Fletcher Producer: Mark Shardlow Exec Producer: Katherine Hogan