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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!

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Original poster
TinaSurrey · 03/08/2013 20:57

mog how on earth are you doing this whilst still bf day AND night!!! My goodness you are amazing. I would be busy dunking biscuits in giant mugs of tea for energy! There is no way that you should consider 23 mins running a fail! It's 2 minutes less than the week 8 target and that is not a target for mothers who are woken in the night!! Don't be hard on yourself. You are doing incredibly well.

worley yippee well done you cracked the big one! That's great news. Trust you spent the rest of today buzzing Grin

BIWI thank you for the sound tips and information. It's quite humbling when complete strangers (well not strangers exactly but you know what I mean) have taken time out to help me. I really appreciate it. I was hurt by an acquaintance in RL this week and after a couple of days feeling very flat I am pulling myself out of it (with all the positive thinking I can muster) and so kind gestures are more appreciated than ever at the m

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BIWI · 03/08/2013 12:22
Grin

Well done, worley.

worley · 03/08/2013 12:18

[grun] !! I meant Grin

worley · 03/08/2013 12:17

I did it [grun] it's so hot.. Felt like I was about to collapse at minute 18 but managed to carry on... Feeling very pleased! I know I've wined about this run but glad it's out of way.. Was a bit of a mental hurdle that one..

Have a good weekend everyone :)

worley · 03/08/2013 10:32

How's it feeling now Tina?

Right now going to attempt the w5r3.. didn't get up as early as I wanted so its a little warm here.. Hopefully it will be cooler on the field!

Forgetfulmog · 02/08/2013 19:54

Ouch Tina, I hope you feel better soon Sad

Massive fail for me today - I started w8, but only managed to run for about 23 mins Shock. I was literally dying! I'm been finding the last few runs really tough & I think it's a combination of the heat & the fact that I'm not hydrated enough - still bf day & night & I know I'm not drinking enough water. Oh well....

BIWI · 02/08/2013 17:23

This is what Wiki says:

Compression[edit source | editbeta]
Compression aims to reduce the edematous swelling that results from the inflammatory process. Although some swelling is inevitable, too much swelling results in significant loss of function, excessive pain and eventual slowing of blood flow through vessel restriction.[citation needed]
An elastic bandage, rather than a firm plastic bandage (such as zinc-oxide tape) is required. Usage of a tight, non-elastic bandage will result in reduction of adequate blood flow, potentially causing ischemia. The fit should be snug so as to not move freely, but still allow expansion for when muscles contract and fill with blood.
Compression stockings are a viable option to manage swelling with graded compression. These garments are especially effective post-operatively and are used in virtually all hospitals to manage acute or chronic swelling, such as congestive heart failure.

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 02/08/2013 17:13

moment and we are away house sitting until Sunday but I have an appointment with her next week. Do you know what I should use for compression?

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Original poster
TinaSurrey · 02/08/2013 17:11

Thanks BIWI. Have been taking nurofen and have done the ice thing a couple of times. My podiatrist is on holiday at the m

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BIWI · 02/08/2013 11:06

Take some aspirin or ibuprofen, Tina - that will help with inflammation. Definitely go and get your gait analysed if you haven't already. and I'm with Mr Surrey - you need to rest. You could also try the RICE - rest, ice, compression (I think?) and elevation.

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 02/08/2013 09:10

My knees are so swollen that Mr Surrey has banned me from running this morning. Gutted :-(

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MittenKitty · 01/08/2013 16:56

I've now found it - and feel quite stupid. As you were.

MittenKitty · 01/08/2013 15:14

thanks Forgetful

Ive got a very stupid question re Get runnng app - i cant see how to access settings? i'm on a HTC desire and apps normally have a menu top right but for this one the screen is full of the house and mapof runs and i cant see a menu. Any android users can help? I know im being really dozy but i assume there's a way i can say what i want in terms of notifications etc - or do you do that via a website?

Forgetfulmog · 01/08/2013 08:23

Oh Tina I know what you mean, I hate feeling like that too! I had to run past a group of lads the other day & I remember thinking "please don't say anything!". I must have sprinted past them!

Mitten - I just try to ignore them tbh. There is a way of getting rid of them by breathing in & sticking your tummy out at the same time, but I can't concentrate on that when I'm running! It's bad enough finding the energy to actually breathe!

My stupid alarm didn't go off this morning so I'm going to have to do my run tomorrow when dh gets back from work. Feeling cheesed off now!

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 31/07/2013 21:28

Oops...

today completely ignored! Other than a wolf whistle and a comment I didn't hear from two lads about half my age. iPod happened to be inbetween tracks but I pretended I hadn't heard. Felt a bit uneasy and vulnerable for the first time ever since I started running. As I headed back they had come round the other way and were sitting on a wall and I had to walk right past them to get back. Felt quite hacked off as it really quite took the edge of a good run.

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Original poster
TinaSurrey · 31/07/2013 21:23

Welcome back Llynnn & waves to everyone else too.

Week 8 run 3 done this morning. Was really nice to have somewhere different to run. The time passed more quickly as I had got to the point of knowing every inch of my normal route!

My knees are really hurting now which isn't good. They don't usually start hurting until the evening but today - ouch. I couldn't even crouch down to unknot one of the children's shoe laces! Planning to call the podiatrist and ask if I can get gait analysis done next week. Top of my right foot isn't 100% either so really think it will be worth doing. Weirdly it doesn't really hurt when I run or walk but going up/down steps or crouching down (and more to the point trying to get back up!) is a real problem! It had got better after 2 data rest but clearly each time I run I make it worse!

Was strange running somewhere new today. Where I run at home anyone I pass says good morning or at least meets my eye and nods/smiles. Today com

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MittenKitty · 31/07/2013 13:21

welcome back Llyn. i wouldn't worry too much about the break - I think your body can remember a week ago now you've got this far. Maybe just take it slow if it feels hard.

And thanks Tina for the app info - I think I'll swap. It's a sad day to give up all my ticks for the runs I've done on the Zen app but I cant imagine running 25 mins without some time checks so if I'm to move on at some point I'll need Get running. i think it will help me with my speed a bit - might be able to put a bit more effort in if i know when I'm in the last 5 minutes

V well done on your run Forgetful - what do you do about stitches? I've had a couple and just try to keep going and they've gone - weren't too bad - but a bad one might be more challenging. Is there a trick or do you just push on through and hope it goes away?

llynnnn · 30/07/2013 22:33

Sorry I've been AWOL! Great to hear how well you've all been doing :)

I haven't ran since last Thursday :( I'm really missing it and annoyed that I can't get out but life is just getting in the way! We were away at the weekend and my plan to run on Saturday while we were there fell through after too much wine consumption on Friday evening Blush and since then its been one thing after another and I know I won't get out tomorrow either as its dd's birthday. I know it's excuses after excuses but life is so busy and tiring!! Must make an effort on Thursday but after a week off it will be interesting to see how w7r1 goes! Hmm

Keep going everyone, you are all doing much better than me, but I'm definitely not giving this one up! Smile

Forgetfulmog · 30/07/2013 20:34

Tina - w8?!!!!!! Woah, that'd crazy, bet you didn't think you'd get to that when you first started this thread eh?!

Mitten - well done, don't be too despondent on the pace though, that's still a good pace & I think the aim is to run for a long time rather than really quickly.

I did w7r3 today, really really hard going. I had stitches & I was really hot too. I timed just the run bits & managed about 3.5km in total - 6.27 min/km so not bad really. I did think I wouldn't be able to complete it though, but that's the good bit about the motivation of the app, keeps you going!

Well done everyone, we're doing brilliantly Smile

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 30/07/2013 19:59

P.s didn't make it out this morning due to heavy rain so now planning to run tomorrow. Thanks again for all the updates and group support.

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Original poster
TinaSurrey · 30/07/2013 19:58

BIWI that's a great pace. Really good. I don't get the impression that the majority of people make 5k by the end of wk9 so you should be super proud to be on track for pretty much that

Worley I know what you mean. That 20 mins was such a big deal. I was nervous too (understatement of the day!). It's worth it though because the joy when you complete it is just great! Good luck tomorrow.

Mitten I agree. I think it's bloody great that we are all doing this! There seems to be so many on Mumsnet at the moment ploughing through c25k! I also seem to see a lot of people out running lately. Or is it like when you buy a new car and then suddenly notice lots of the same model on the road!

Re the Get Running app... I've not used the Zen Labs one but Get Running tells you when to walk, when to run, when to cool down etc but also tells you how far through the longer runs you are every five minutes. So on 25 min run 5 mins in it says you have been running for 5 mins then 10 then when you have done 15 it tells you that you've run for quarter of an hour and only 10 more mins to go. You then get another notification only 5 mins left and then it tells you well done time to cool down when it's time to walk. It also tells you when you are half way through the programme for that day so you know when to head for home if you need to. Earlier in the programme it talks to you at shorter intervals when the runs are shorter. I honestly cannot fault it. I wish they did a follow up one as I like everything about it and I tried a few! I am so fussy - I even had to like the voice Blush

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MittenKitty · 30/07/2013 13:55

BIWI am v impressed with w6r3 completion - I'm sticking on w6r2 for now. Had a terrible run on Friday when i really didn't have enough time for it before work and my app gave up the ghost after the warm up so I tried to do 10 mins x 2 myself but gave up after one lot and went home. It was weird that I just couldn't motivate myself without knowing the voice was going to come in my ear to tell me when to start walking. And I was stressing about work and the time.

had a better run Sunday and again this morning. But am still v slow. Only covering 3.7k including warm up walks. So i'm thinking i'll stay on this run until I can do 4k - might be some time Grin.

Those of you with the get running app it sounds like it talks more to you? I think I'd like that. I have the Zenlabs one and on the longer runs there's no comments made while you're doing them and I'm always worried it's stopped. Do you get more communication from get running?

And Tina - w8r3? - big respect!

i think its really pretty damn impressive that we're all out there - 3 times a week, making up our own rules doing the programme. With the weather and kids and work and stuff just doing something like this and sticking with it is pretty good going. So thanks all - reading your posts is great motivation.

worley · 30/07/2013 10:44

hoping to go tomorrow.. am in annual leave today but its rest day so maybe before work.. I doubt I'll get ds1 up at 6 though to come with me.. but stranger things have happened.. :)
I actually feel nervous about 20 mins!

BIWI · 29/07/2013 23:08

I struggled a bit towards the end, but I think it was because it was so warm! My pace was good though - 6.30m/km. A little slower than the last time around, but still means that I won't be too far off 5K by the time I'm running for 30 minutes.

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 29/07/2013 22:34

Assuming its not pouring with rain I plan to
Do w8r3 tomorrow x

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