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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:
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 :)

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.

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:
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 · 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:
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.

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!

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 :-(

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!

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

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.

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.

BIWI · 27/06/2013 17:18

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

OpheliaBumps · 27/06/2013 19:15

Just rest and anti inflammatories (ibuprofen or similar). I'm already fed up with hobbling round, I'll be going mad if it lasts a few weeks!

Forgetfulmog · 27/06/2013 20:17

Thanks Orphelia, that's awful & so frustrating for you. Will any Winehelp at all?

OpheliaBumps · 27/06/2013 20:47

Haha thanks mog, yes Wine and a takeaway tonight to cheer me up, will get back on the Slimming World wagon tomorrow!

TwasBrillig · 27/06/2013 21:40

Oh no! Hope you rest well and that the wine helps!

I need to do wk 3 run 2 tomorrow. Bit daunted as I found run 1 really hard. Also it's the first time I will have done a morning run. I normally run in the evenings after children in bed as I just take so long to be functional in the morning. I keep repeating to myself that I can do it, and I've set the alarm!

OpheliaBumps · 27/06/2013 21:55

Ooh good luck, I'm not a morming person either, but think positive, it'll set you up for the rest of the day!

TwasBrillig · 28/06/2013 08:29

I did it! And it actually felt marginally easier this time. I love how each run boosts your confidence that you can do it.

It does seem to leap quite suddenly after this week though -5 minute runs next week then 8 then 20??? I've got an old learning to run book which takes 7 weeks to get you to 20 by increasing a minute a week and doing more repetitions.

I'm trying to trust the programme but worried my obese body isn't up to the leaps! Almost wondering about adding half weeks! Still I did manage this run ok :-)

OpheliaBumps · 28/06/2013 12:29

Well done! You can do it, you know. If you need to add half weeks then go ahead, if it gives you more confidence to get there!

Can't wait till I'm back running again.

blizy · 28/06/2013 15:42

opheliathat sucks about your knee, I hope you recover quickly.

brillig well done! I'm nervous about my next run and I'm only w2r1! I can't imagine running for 8 mins never mind the 20 mins!

Original poster
TinaSurrey · 28/06/2013 16:37

Twas - well done you! You did it!!! I feel like you do, daunted by the increases but will just repeat if I need to. I think your half weeks idea is good although I'd probably get in a right muddle if I wasn't following the stop start voice in my headphones!!

Ophelia - sorry to read about your knee. It's flippin' unfair to be grounded by something like that when you are so motivated. Crossing fingers for speedy recovery for you.

BIWI - how did your week 4 run go yesterday?

. My brain finds it ridiculously hard to remember names - especially those that are not real words/names!!!

My turn to be floored today. Still on antibiotics for the Cystitis (better but not gone) but then have had the most awful D&V since 5am. Finally stopped being sick a couple of hours ago. Can't even keep a sip of water down. Mr Tina had to go into work late taking children on the way and left early to collect them. I cannot move from the bed except to go to the bathroom!! Certainly no running for me. Real shame as this will be the first time I've had more than 2 days off from running since starting.

OP posts:
TwasBrillig · 28/06/2013 19:24

Oh no Tina! Hope you get some good rest and recover soon!

Forgetfulmog · 28/06/2013 20:18

Oh god the dreaded D&V - it's bloody awful, but it is one way to lose weight! I hope you get better soon Smile

I did wk4 today - 5 min run! Feel v proud of myself Smile

OpheliaBumps · 28/06/2013 23:04

Oh Tina poor you, I'd rather have a sprained knee then d&v, I don't cope well with vomit! Hope you feel better soon.

mog well done, how was the increase from 3 to 5 minutes, it sounds really daunting?

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