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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 · 10/07/2013 22:18

The thing is, Tina, once you know you can run for 20 minutes, 25 minutes doesn't seem that much more. And then 28 minutes is only another 3 minutes ...

This is why the programme works so well!

watchingout · 10/07/2013 22:23

Excuse me BIWI - it does Hmm.. I had been blissfully thinking without my glasses on that w6r3 was 22 mins. Now I am Shock
Plants fingers firmly back in ears for another day.

BIWI · 10/07/2013 22:27
Grin

I may have got those times wrong ...

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 10/07/2013 23:28

BIWI - you are right, of course. The programme is great. Very clever and very motivating - especially with a community like this to share it with. I will almost be sad when I finish it as I love the structure.

I am already quietly planning on a special way to do my 5k!

All girls Apprentice final it seems! Now I really am off to sleep.

OP posts:
TinaSurrey · 10/07/2013 23:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

llynnnn · 11/07/2013 07:30

Morning! I did w4r3 last night, was good and felt better than the 1st time I did it, onto week 5 tomorrow.... Hope I can manage run 3 like you all did!

I wore my new running clothes. I felt more the part an wasn't as hot, but the top kept riding up! I was constantly pulling it down again, very off putting!! Not sure why that happens or how to stop it (except safety pinning it to my trousers!!)

Forgetfulmog · 11/07/2013 08:09

Well done Lynn!

Not sure about the top problem, other than to wear a baggy/long top.

Tina - I may do my next one tomorrow morning, if not it'll be Sunday. Will have to see how I feel!

worley · 11/07/2013 19:30

well w5r1 complete and it really wasn't as bad as was expecting Grin
Thank you all for being so encouraging and helpful all these weeks.. I'd never have dared attempt this if you hadn't all posted to start with.. Think we all deserve a pat on the back for getting this far ! :)

llynnnn · 11/07/2013 19:36

Pleased to hear week 5 hasn't started too bad Worley, well done on getting through it :) That will be me in the morning (if I can get out of bed!)

I really enjoy reading your posts and you all keep me running. The support is great.

I've had 2 people comment that I look well today, think that must be thanks to the running too as my eating certainly hasn't stopped Blush I haven't lost weight though, but do feel trimmer! Woohoo for running :)

worley · 11/07/2013 20:04

Llynnnn :) I literally just commented to a friend that I still havnt lost weight and may just be kidding myself I feel more toned!! Just tried last years jeans on and can get them on but don't think I can sit down in them if we go out!!
But I can feel the difference in my lungs and legs not burning as much as I run :)
inside out hopefully ..

MittenKitty · 11/07/2013 22:31

Well done to Tina and Mog and Lynn and Workey and everyone else.

BIWI let me know how you go with w5r3. I'll be willing you on!

And Worley the scales are being stubborn for me too at the moment but I'm pretty sure jeans are looser. It's not always all about the scales - at least that's hat they say and I'll believe them this week. Hopefully it will come off in due course.

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 11/07/2013 23:30

Well done all. Isn't everyone doing well? It's so impressive.

Very odd about the top Llynn. What sort of top is it? I have a couple of skirts that ride up my legs when walking - no idea why they do when other dresses and skirts don't though! V annoying for you and not what you want whilst running. My new running trousers have still not arrived. Ordered Tuesday and delivery was 2 business days so was hoping today but realistically probably means tomorrow. Have decided to run Saturday instead of tomorrow now and fingers crossed they are here by then - it's just toooo hot for my thick long jogging trousers!

OP posts:
Forgetfulmog · 12/07/2013 06:10

Snap Tina! I'm going to run sat instead of today too! Decided to have a relaxing morning & make waffles with my family instead Smile

MittenKitty · 12/07/2013 10:06

forecast is 30 degree for my Richmond Park run tomorrow! - and it's the day I'm meant to do the 20 mins one.....

Forgetfulmog · 12/07/2013 13:44

If you can mitten go really early - I'm talking 6 am - before it gets that hot!

watchingout · 12/07/2013 21:26

I agree with Mog - I was out at 6.30 this morning and it was beautiful. I find it much easier to go in the morning. Just rewalked this mornings route and it's much harder at the end of the day, even at half the speed. Good luck for tomorrow's runners Smile

DharmaLovesDraco · 12/07/2013 22:17

I hope you don't mind me butting in, I'm also doing c25k (inspired by this thread)just about to start week 3 so a wee bit behind you all, but I'm going on holiday for two weeks so will I have to restart from the beginning once I'm back? I really don't want to take my trainers with me but don't want a massive setback either.

Forgetfulmog · 13/07/2013 08:04

Hi dharma Smile

Tbh at w3 you should be fine to carry on where you left off, just take it gently. Where are you going on holiday?

Did w6r1 this morning & found it surprisingly hard! My ankles ached like hell!

Good luck to everyone else Smile

DharmaLovesDraco · 13/07/2013 08:38

Thanks Mog, we're off to Spain and whilst I don't mind getting up at 6 o clock to go for a run here I don't fancy it on my holiday :)
Week 6 just sounds hard full stop!

worley · 13/07/2013 13:36

Scorcher today already... Took dog for walk and ran back .. Too hot to do much else.. Planning in getting up early tomorrow to do w5r2 while its still cooler.. Hopefully!

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 13/07/2013 23:10

Well that was my hardest run yet!! It's a good thing you lot are here because I would not have finished it otherwise. Way way way too hot. I was shattered! Would have thought that having got through the dreaded w5 r3 on Wednesday that 3 short runs would be easy... I was very wrong!

I went at 9.30am. Clearly needed to be MUCH earlier. My chest felt tight afterwards and I felt like I was getting a cough. Only lasted an hour or so but v odd. Would the heat have caused that? I don't know.

Running trousers arrived yesterday and I don't like them. They were expensive Lululemon ones too so I am sending them back. Would have paid that if they had looked and felt fantastic but they didn't!

OP posts:
llynnnn · 14/07/2013 12:37

Tina, I bet it was the heat, it's so so hot at the moment. Well done for getting through it and I hope it doesn't happens again.

Hi to everyone else and well done on your runs.

Dharma, hope you have a great holiday, don't blame you for not wanting to run while you are away. I like to just stop as much as possible when I'm on my hols!

We have been away for the weekend....far too much food, drink and dancing to contemplate running today! Will get back on the wagon tomorrow for w5 r2!

MittenKitty · 14/07/2013 13:32

hi everyone and well done on managing any exertions in this weather

shame about your trousers Tina, disappointing when they're not what you expected - and I agree with llynn - bound to be the heat that made you feel like that

interesting that w6 can feel hard - i guess its got to keep stretching us or the programme wont work

and as for holiday running - way too hard - when i go to spain in august im thinking of giving myself a swimming programme - x number of circuits of the pool - just to keep some level of fitness - but the running will have to wait in that heat

yesterday i was planning the dreaded w5r3 but my richmond park trip has to be around 4.30 because its before i collect my daughter from working in the stables there and it was just too hot to run - so i just went for a walk instead. beautiful in the park yesterday and surprisingly quiet.

Truth be told i was also very hungover tired yesterday so really not up to it.

So today there was no putting it off and i was off at the crack of 10am. And survived. A very slow speed - distance only 3.2k including warm up/cool down but i did it! Go me. I didnt feel bad at the end - second half was easier than first half so obviously could have gone a bit faster but wasnt sure.

So thanks everyone - reading all your experiences is very motivating. I kept repeating was Eau said - you've trained for this and your body is ready - it makes me laugh to think of what I've done as training but it kept me moving. I feel a bit of a fraud even saying I'm going for a run.

Happy Sunday all and here's to the next week.

llynnnn · 14/07/2013 14:58

Hooray! Well done mitten :) doesn't matter how far you did, but the fact you did it and fantastic that it didn't feel too bad! Grin

BIWI · 14/07/2013 15:51

Mitten - I did Week 5/Run 3 this morning as well!