New “Couch Potato to 5k” training sessions start with Fit.Green.Happy

By Catie Leckenby \ Sept. 29, 2026

On Nov. 7, students will have the opportunity to participate in a 5k through the Maryville College Woods. Rachael Hurst, coordinator of Mountain Challenge, is offering training sessions in preparation for the race and for anyone wanting to improve their fitness level through running. The initiative is called “Couch Potato to 5k,” and is beginner friendly.

Participants meet in front of Crawford House on Mondays and Fridays at 7 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. At the beginning of the first week, the training included 90 seconds of walking, then 60 seconds of running around Circle Drive. Students were encouraged to try to push themselves, but ultimately run at their own pace to increase their personal stamina. Hurst emphasized that the training is helpful for both beginners and experienced athletes. The goal is to prepare participants to run in the 5k through the MC Woods on Nov. 7. Still, it’s also a valuable experience for people wanting to spend time outside or exercise more consistently. 

This program is one of many that Hurst wants to implement to draw people who wouldn’t normally participate in Mountain Challenge or Fit.Green.Happy. events. 

“I started as the Fit.Green.Happy. and Mountain Challenge program coordinator last September, so last year I was just trying to keep all the current programs running,” Hurst said. “Then this year I really want to start opening up and doing things that I want, and helping get people that aren’t in registered athletics out and doing things… and give them a space where they can do athletic things if they want to.”

Camp 4, which happens at Crawford House every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m., already has some elements of this. Students are invited to climb the Alpine Tower or bouldering cave, do yoga, or just hang out and listen to music outside. This year, Hurst has already started to expand what Camp 4 has to offer by holding a plant giveaway with plants donated by faculty and staff, and working with the Counseling Center to have coloring pages available to students. 

“I just want to start doing some consistent things with that, geared more towards environmental conservatorship or recycling, things that may be areas of interest to students here but are a little different from climbing the tower,” Hurst said.

Although part of the goal of the Couch Potato to 5k plan is to try and attract non student-athletes who want to improve their physical health, there are also definite benefits for students already involved in sports or Mountain Challenge. They may be at an already more athletic level, but there is always room for improvement. 

“I just want to be able to provide that space so that anyone can come out and start something that’s maybe a little outside their comfort zone or a little bit difficult. But with consistency anyone can run a 5k. So, that’s the hope.” Hurst said. 

While most of the students who have participated in the training sessions so far are athletic in some way, that doesn’t mean they are used to running, which is the point of the program. 

“I played lacrosse in high school and took a strength and conditioning class. However, I have always disliked running but this program makes it manageable and more comfortable. In addition, the group helps with accountability,” said JJ Khym (‘28). “You know everyone else is getting up and out there. If they can, why can’t you?”

Hurst also mentioned that in addition to the benefits for students, she planned this program to give herself a reason to exercise. 

“Honestly I want to run, so it motivates me to come out because people are counting on me to be here and tell them what to do,” she said. 

The regularity of the training sessions is another benefit, and it may help encourage people who are less motivated on their own to join the group.  

Hurst’s role as leader of this program includes not only encouragement and a companion for the running portion, but also instruction on how to best take care of their bodies. After training sessions, she instructs students on the best ways to stretch as a cooldown. This advice is tailored to the specific muscles in need of stretching and helps students build good habits after their run. As it gets closer to the date of the 5k, the training sessions will get increasingly more difficult, in order to build up stamina and fitness levels, and these cooldowns will be even more important.  

“[Running] helps me with confidence, and staying in shape. If I do something challenging then I [know I] can do other challenges,” Khym said about how this program has helped him. 

Although running might not be for everyone, those who want to add it to their schedule consistently should check out this program. 

“Just to reiterate what Fit.Green.Happy. is, we just want to get people outdoors, active and happier,” Hurst said. “So I think anything that falls into those categories, anytime someone has an idea that runs with that kind of stuff, I like to take it and see what I can do with it. I’m always open to suggestions.”

As the 5k gets closer, Fit.Green.Happy. will put more information about it and other programs coming up on their website (fitgreenhappy.com). For Mountain Challenge events, go to their Instagram page or website (mtnchallenge.com).