ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Chris taking part in Race for Life 2025

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Chris Moller, and I work in ICT within the Research Computing Services team as a research computing analyst. My role mostly involves working at a computer, answering support tickets, and helping researchers make the most of our services.

How did you hear about the Just Move Couch to 5K sessions, and what motivated you to join?
I’d known about Couch to 5K for a while but kept putting it off. The Race for Life announcement in Hyde Park was the push I needed. I wanted to become more active and improve my fitness and when I started, I couldn’t run more than a couple of minutes without stopping. Couch to 5K felt like a structured, achievable way to change that.

Have you tried other Just Move activities?
I first found Just Move while looking into the South Kensington gym and saw posters for different activities. I tried the badminton sessions and enjoyed them, but work got in the way. Couch to 5K has been my main focus since then and the activity I’ve enjoyed most, especially because it fits around my schedule.

How has taking part impacted your wellbeing and work life?
It’s made a big difference. I have a health condition, and around the time I joined, my doctor advised staying active. Couch to 5K gave me a positive, manageable way to do that. Charlie, our session lead, has been a huge support, motivating, encouraging, and making the sessions genuinely fun.

The first session was tough, and Charlie later said he wasn’t sure I’d come back. But I had the Race for Life in mind and wanted to run as much of the 5K as possible. Seeing steady progress each week kept me motivated. I started in April and have only missed a few sessions, even after changing roles and moving to White City.

What would you say to someone considering a Just Move session?
For Couch to 5K - go for it. Even if you only attend once, there’s no pressure. But if you stick with it, the progress is amazing. Before joining, my Park run time was nearly 50 minutes; after the final session of last year, I ran Battersea Parkrun in around 35 minutes with Charlie. Yes, it’s hard when the weather’s awful, but once you’re at the sessions, the atmosphere lifts you.

How has the social aspect helped you connect with others?
There’s a great sense of community, and the sessions fly by because you’re having fun. I’ve met people from across the university I’d never normally encounter. There’s a lot of joking around, and we always chat afterwards which creates a shared sense of achievement. Charlie also encourages quarterly milestone events, like group Park runs and the annual Race for Life. Last year was a 5k; this year, 10k has been suggested!

Do you have a favourite Just Move memory?
The Race for Life stands out. It was over 30 degrees and tough, but finishing after months of effort felt incredible. There’s a group photo of about 10–15 of us who completed the programme, and that moment of celebrating together is probably my favourite. Running the Battersea Parkrun with Charlie is a close second. Improving my running time by  about 15 minutes was so rewarding.

What are you most looking forward to next?
Getting back into the sessions. I’ve been away for about a month due to a role change, and I genuinely miss it. I want to make the Race for Life a yearly goal. The sessions mean a lot, not just for fitness but for my overall wellbeing.

Any final thoughts?
Just Move has had a significant impact on my life. I tell a lot of people about it because it truly works, and I’m grateful for the experience and the chance to share my story.