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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:
Original poster
TinaSurrey · 14/07/2013 16:00

Well done Mitten & BIWI!!! Fantastic especially in this weather!

Hi to everyone else too. See you for tomorrow's run :-)

OP posts:
Forgetfulmog · 14/07/2013 19:49

Well done all! God it's hot today though!

Tina have you looked on eBay for jogging trousers?

llynnnn · 14/07/2013 20:37

Well done BIWI! I'm very impressed especially in this heat :)

worley · 14/07/2013 22:15

Well done mitten and BIWI :) did you ache afterwards? I think my shins are starting to ache a little.. I did w5r2 this evening.. I had to run around the tennis courts as kids playing football on MY the field.. It felt easier to run on ashfelt than the grass though.. Or is it my imagination.

Dreading the w5r3 then on weds!! Arghhh

Oh and just a thought mitten.. A fellow mnetter and friend sent me a thing in Pinterest that says "it doesn't matter how slow you go, you are still lapping every body on the couch" so true :)

BIWI · 15/07/2013 09:14

No - don't ache. I ache more from the gardening I did during the rest of the day Grin

If your shins are starting to ache, based on my own experience, I would say two things:

  • you should aim to run on softer surfaces rather than harder surfaces, so that the impact/vibration is lower - so the grass will be better

And you will be fine with run 3! Honestly!

ohforfoxsake · 15/07/2013 09:24

Another vote for Get Running here. I just hold my phone on one hand, dog lead in the other.

I finished my week 7 runs today and can now run for 25 minutes. Being overweight, it truly feels like a small miracle has occurred. Grin

watchingout · 15/07/2013 15:01

Grin Fox!

Thanks for the link BIWI - going to give that a go as I'm getting some shin pain. Saturday morning felt almost bruised Sad

BIWI · 15/07/2013 16:20

Yep - that's exactly what happened to me. Stretching (not just after your run but several times during the day) really helps. And if necessary, take an extra rest day between runs.

MittenKitty · 15/07/2013 17:27

thanks all - I like the quote Worley and its very true

I dont ache - not going fast enough for that obviously! and dont stretch either - but do try to run on the grass.

Well done Fox on week 7 - W6r1 for me tomorrow - early - before work and before the heat.

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 15/07/2013 19:29

Finally! I have running trousers! Looking forward to wearing them for my next run on Wednesday. Not looking forward to trying to run 25 mins without breaks though!

Managed w6r2 this morning. Was better than w6r1 although certainly tough going. I managed to go earlier this morning as there was just no way I could run in that extreme heat again. Poor DS put in breakfast club so I could run an hour earlier! Goodness knows what I will do come the school holidays but where there's a will there's a way!

Interesting to hear about the painful shins. I seem to be getting painful knees. Does anyone know the best stretch for that? I don't actually do any stretches at the moment as haven't a clue what to do! My knees are not sore until about 12-24 hours after running but after that time they do ache and if I crouch down by bending my legs I can barely get back up!!

OP posts:
Forgetfulmog · 15/07/2013 20:30

Everyone's doing really well Smile

I'm not sure what to do - I was able to run early last week as dh was off to look after dd, but he's back at work this week. He gets up early for work so can't ask him to get up any earlier for me to go running & it's just too hot when he comes home. Don't want to have to wait until this weekend though Hmm

ohforfoxsake · 15/07/2013 20:46

What time does DH get up? I get up an hour and a half before everyone else. It's cooler and I love that its done and out of the way. Would that work for you?

ohforfoxsake · 15/07/2013 20:47

Just to add, I find running on grass easier on my (old, knackered) knees.

Forgetfulmog · 15/07/2013 20:53

5.50 so he really can't get up any earlier. Should add that we co-sleep as dd won't sleep in her cot & she wakes up if I get out of bed so can't go in the morning Hmm

ohforfoxsake · 15/07/2013 20:57

Hmm, yes, you can be let off the early start then Grin

What time does he get back? An evening run maybe?

Not sure what I'll do in the school holidays, especially when DH isn't here. Really don't want to give up.

Forgetfulmog · 15/07/2013 21:11

Yeah that's the only other option. Trouble is its not that much cooler in the eve!

Kids eh?! They make us fat through pregnancy etc & then just get in the way of us exercising Grin

watchingout · 15/07/2013 21:49

Does your DD still go in a buggy? Can you run and push use it as a prop at the same time?

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 15/07/2013 23:28

We need a rota, to all look after each others children so we can keep running through the holidays!

Not sure where I could find enough grass to run 4k? Where do you run on grass - up & down the park? My knees are now getting sore from this mornings run. It's not agony but I'd just like to know I am not doing them harm?!

OP posts:
Forgetfulmog · 16/07/2013 07:30

Watching - yes she does but I cat really push & run on a bumpy playing field. Gaah!

I'll see how hot it is when dh comes home from work

Tina - did you do w6r2? How was it?

llynnnn · 16/07/2013 15:11

Hi

I completed w5 r2 yesterday, was ok actually. I took it very slowly until laura said 1 minute to go, then i pushed myself to run a little faster. The dreaded w5r3 tomorrow morning!! arrrgh! Are you still planning it for tomorrow too Worley? We can get through it together ;)

Mog - I've been going out either at 6am or when dh comes home at around 7.30pm. I find it slightly easier to run in the evenings, I feel more awake and with it and it hasn't been too hot!

Tina - hooray for your new trousers! I find I start to ache a good few hours after the run too. I do some basic stretches when I get back but thats all!

Well done Fox, 25 minutes still feels impossible to me at the moment :)

BIWI · 16/07/2013 15:34

Tina

When I very first started I had sore knees. I bought some Regenovex from Boots - a supplement that's supposed to help with synovial fluid behind the knee. It seemed to help - at least I don't have it now!

ohforfoxsake · 16/07/2013 17:43

Tina, I walk with the dog for half an hour to a park, run round it 5 times and do the walk home again.

Tomorrow morning I shall get up at 6.15 and go. But tonight I shall be drinking beer in a beer garden.

worley · 16/07/2013 17:43

Llynnn I was planning on doing it this morning.. But ds2 was up at 3am as he as scared of the dark.. And took me ages to fall asleep again.. So by time my 6 am alarm was going I just couldn't get up.. No time to so it now as off to meet someone but I WILL DO IT TOMORROW MORNING :) !! Pinky promise..

so I'll think of you at 6am too llynnn

llynnnn · 16/07/2013 19:31

Haha good luck Worley, don't blame you for not doing it after a restless night. Your poor ds, hope he sleeps better tonight.

I wish we lived within walking distance of a nice park. We have a wooded area 5 mins walk away but I wouldn't dare run in it alone!! Hmm

MittenKitty · 16/07/2013 23:37

Go for it Worley and llynn. It's all so much harder with weather to consider as well as children. Mine is teenage so she' s not an issue but work s an inconvenience. So keep it up chaps, any progress is good progress. And as long as we can do something, every now and then, I reckon it helps.

Something is better than nothing. And we fit it in when we can. But we don't give it up.