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Original poster

Couch to 5k - just started! Help with podcasts, iphone apps and timing please.

438 replies

TinaSurrey · 07/06/2013 14:33

Hi all, Hoping this is the correct place to post.

I have just done my 2nd Couch to 5k "run" from week one. The 1st time I went i timed myself using the clock on my phone so I knew when to run, when to walk etc but it was far from ideal. I used the Nike app to track my run and loved the fact it told me how far I had covered, average speed and calories burnt.

This time I had worked out how to get the NHS podcast on my iphone and played that and followed Laura's instructions which was much easier.

Questions are...
Can I make the podcast play AND monitor my run on the Nike app at the same time and if so how? I couldn't find a way to do it. Secondly, is there an alternative podcast without the music. Laura was great but I'd prefer silence in between her instructions rather than their music. Finally if you are running using the podcast how do you know when to turn round (at the half way point) as I expected Laura to tell me when it was half way but she didn't so I ended up too far away from my car before I realised I should have turned round!

I am determind to do this having not done any exercise to speak of ever!

OP posts:
BIWI · 27/06/2013 17:18

Oh no! Is there any treatment for it, or is it just about resting?

OpheliaBumps · 27/06/2013 16:26

Doctor says I have sprained my knee, and it could take a few weeks to get better Sad

at least it's nothing serious, but I'm gutted at not running for weeks. She also said when I restart the programme I should start with fast walking not running.

Bakingnovice · 27/06/2013 08:45

Twas - a really good tip I got on another thread is to slow the speed down for the longer runs. It really helps.

Sorry to jump in mid thread! Just wanted to say well done everyone. These threads keep me going.

BIWI · 27/06/2013 08:38

Twas - don't worry - you will make progress, honestly. I think it's nothing short of astonishing how this programme works!

Will be doing week 4/run 1 this morning

Forgetfulmog · 27/06/2013 07:42

Ophelia - ouch I hope it gets better soon & you're not out of it for too long. I know what you mean as it starts to get addictive after a while doesn't it?

Brillig - well done on wk 3! I found the 2nd & 3rd attempts much easier than the first

Tina - thanks, I thought it was 3 times so glad I'm on track! Will either go running tomorrow or sun & start wk 4, eek! Btw are you feeling any better?

The music they play on the nhs app is bloody awful but I keep getting the songs stuck in my head, aargh!

TwasBrillig · 26/06/2013 23:39

Just seen what week 4 is!!!! Well done, Tina -you've overtaken me, I keep leaving too long between runs.

I'm struggling with 3 minutes, can't see how that steps up from wk 3 to 4. I might have to languish at wk 3 for a few weeks :-(

TwasBrillig · 26/06/2013 23:32

I did the first run of wk 3 tonight. I found it really tough :-( I'm very overweight and feeling a bit demotivated. I guess at least I did it!

OpheliaBumps · 26/06/2013 20:14

I think I'm going to have to go to the docs tomorrow. I said my knee hurt a bit last Thursday, so I took it easy on Saturday's run.

Well, it's been really painful since then. i haven't run since, been resting it, using ice packs to cool it, and the pain is getting worse Sad. i'm not one for painkillers, but I've had to take 2 lots today to get through the day.

I'm gutted as I was really enjoying it, and I hope this is just a temporary setback.

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 26/06/2013 18:40

Hi Forgetfulmog - I am aiming to do every other day but then having a 2 day break every so often when for whatever reason I can't do a day. So in answer to your question it is meant to be 3 times a week according to the Get Running app. I do average that maybe very slightly more but as long as I do 3 times I feel I am hitting my goal. I dont ever do consecutive days. My weeks don't match up with a normal Mon-Sun but I just do each week on the app three times (although I had to do 4 lots of week one as was not ready to move on!)

I did manage my first run of week four today. My goodness 5 minutes running is HARD!!! It was sunny and hot today even at 9am. The patches of shade along the road became my treats to keep going! 254 calories burnt though :-)

OP posts:
Forgetfulmog · 26/06/2013 05:42

Good luck Tina! & I hope the antibiotics work.

Just out of interest, how many times a week are you running? I'm doing 3 times but can't see anywhere if that's how many I should be doing

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 25/06/2013 22:28

Hi everyone, now have antibiotics from GP so hoping they take hold fast.

I have just realised I am meant to move onto week 4 tomorrow. Just laying in bed & checked the Get Running app to see what that entails - 2 three min runs and 2 FIVE minute runs! They are kidding?!! It's also 31.5 mins instead of 25 mins! I almost didn't make the end of my 2nd three min run yesterday how on earth...?!

Wish me luck I am really going to need it.

OP posts:
blizy · 25/06/2013 10:55

Thanks for the welcome ladies.

worley a sprint, well done! I have just done w1 r2, I found it easier than the first but I now have achey legs.

tina hope yo feel better soon.

worley · 25/06/2013 10:14

Ooooh forgetfulmog., I did w3r2 this morning and found it easier.. By end if second run I did a sprint for last 30 seconds! :)). Think it may be time to invest in some proper trainers at payday :)

Forgetfulmog · 25/06/2013 08:38

Ooh nasty, yes it might be worth you going to the Gp. Impressed that you went running though!

I found yesterday's run surprisingly easy - I don't know if I'm running too slow or what but I found I had so much energy at the last 3 min run that I could speed up for the last min or so. Has anyone else found this? Am I not pushing myself hard enough or am I doing it right?!

In terms of benefits, my waist is starting to tone up, which is great as I had a CS so hoping things will start tightening up.

Hope you feel better soon Tina Sad

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 24/06/2013 21:44

Thanks for asking. Had cystits (uti?). Felt really rubbish with it. Had Sat & Sun as 2 day break and did w3r3 today. The second 3 mins was hardest run so far. Wondering if I should see GP tomorrow to see if I need antibiotics as its not cleared up despite taking full 2 day dose of over the counter stuff Fri & Sat. Not had this for years :-(
Proud that I did my run today though.

OP posts:
Forgetfulmog · 23/06/2013 20:16

Hi blizy Smile. Good luck frax - I hope things work out for you.

Hope you're better tomorrow Tina - what's wrong?

I'm doing w3r2 tomorrow. The wheels kinda fell off this weekend eating wise - I've just had a 200g bar of coconut chocolate for my tea Blush. Was lush though Grin

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 23/06/2013 18:47

Hi everyone and welcome Blizy. We are a commited lot aren't we?! I can't be the only one inspired and impressed by the dedication on this thread.

I did w3r2 on Fri but had the weekend off (which is ok as so far done alternate days not have the 2 days off you are meant to). Have been a bit poorly over the weekend so really glad I ran Fri. Tomorrow I am either running or seeing my GP depending on whether I'm better or not!

OP posts:
Original poster
TinaSurrey · 23/06/2013 18:42

Sorry to lose you Frax. You were doing so well. I hope your injury eases soon and you manage to refocus with the same commitment to the gym or whatever else suits. Good luck. Do post back and let us know.

OP posts:
Fraxinus · 23/06/2013 18:15

Good luck to all of you in achieving your goals... Fitness, energy, weight loss, tone up, and for blizy, fertility.

I'm sure this programme will lead you in the right direction.

All the best

Fraxinus · 23/06/2013 18:14

Oh dear... I'm out...week 2 run 1 heralded the Return of patellar tendonopathy which stopped me running in 2002. I have had rehab for it, but I think running is not the exercise for me. I will go back to physio and see if I can get more rehab and discount membership to gym, because I did not have this problem when using the cross trainer or other machines. I am disappointed because I thought I could do a free and easy to access form of exercise. Now it seems I will have to pay and only do it when my children are in school... So 2 x per week. Sad

blizy · 23/06/2013 14:51

Hi, can I join in? I have just completed my first run and looking forward to the next one. I am very overweight with a BMI of 35 which I have to get get down to 30 in order to start fertility treatment. I am also joining the gym this week and calorie counting, I have lost 2 stone already and would like to lose another 2 at least.

worley · 23/06/2013 09:45

Arghh... W3R1 complete.. Was hard work but doable.. I think I went a bit too fast on the first three mins so slowed a bit on the second 3 mins. My legs are aching now! I found a rabbit hole at the end of the second 3 mins run :( but not badly wrung my ankle luckily..
I put my jeans on yesterday and noticed the difference putting them on (in work uniform all week) so I must have slimmed a bit. Although no weight lost.

Mittenkitty what a fab place to run :) and to come close to the deer.. I get the rabbits at the end of the field which is as exciting as it gets!

MittenKitty · 22/06/2013 21:09

Well done everyone with your runs. Sounds like you're all doing great. Getting outside and being active is definitely uplifting.

I have knee problems sometimes but it doesn't seem to be getting any worse and as long as I have a day or two off in between runs its fine and recovers. I did get one of those ice packs you can freeze and if I remember I put that on my knee in the evening after a run. I think it helps

I'm on week 4. The first time I did a week 4 run my legs felt so heavy at the beginning. The first 3 min run was by far the worst and then I seemed to get into it. Today I did w2 r2 in richmond park and loved it. Also came v close to big deer with big antlers which was surprisingly scary in the flesh. Theyre big animals!

Diet wise I had 2 weeks in a row of losing 2 pounds and then last week went up half a pound but I'm sticking with the running. It seems to make me feel good .

4 days in France next week though. Planning a focus on wine and cheese but will try to keep up the runs as a gesture against the calorie influx.

TwasBrillig · 22/06/2013 20:50

My wk 2 run 3 tomorrow. Kind of dreading the 3 minute run in a few days time.

I know that I used to log at uni and right now I just can't comprehend how I did it!

Forgetfulmog · 22/06/2013 19:55

Or w2r3 even Smile