Apps question

[oldwheezer69]

Hello! I feel a bit like the new girl at school joining here! Graduated C25K 10 days ago so need to consolidate for a few weeks before starting on the 10k programme, but just a quick question while I'm here... I've done 2 Parkruns now, both around 44 minutes. Is there an app which will measure my pace and let me know when I'm on target to complete 5k in, say, 40 minutes, then 38 minutes... And so on....? Aiming to do 5k in 35 minutes eventually (not that bothered about the 5k in 30 minutes thing, would just like to do it a bit faster as a short term goal).

[Hidden]

Have you looked at the C25K+ podcasts yet. They're designed to increase your pace and there's a good mix of Speed, Stepping Stones and Stamina which mirror your short run, easy run and long run that seem to be the crux of most training plans. They focus on your technique and cadence, which in turn strengthen and increase pace.

As for alternatives, particularly apps, Strava announces your pace every 0.5K and split pace (albeit you have to increase from the default 1k). Once you've used it a few times you know what your normal pace is and can increase your pace if you hear it slipping. You can run Strava alongside the podcasts.

Then there's Runkeeper, they have training plans which focus on pace and there's lots of choice. I haven't tried them but have looked through what's available.

You will get quicker naturally as you continue adding miles to those legs.

Remember the golden 10% rule and don't add too much too soon.

Best of luck! 😊

[oldwheezer69 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply, Sutsha!

I've looked at the C25K+ podcasts - I've been using Rock My Run since week 7, and building up from 150bpm to 163bpm, and it looks like they do a similar thing with beats per minute but I'll give them a go over the next couple of weeks. Just looked at Runkeeper - the training plans with audio prompts seem to be what I am looking for - have just downloaded it to try out tomorrow. Will bear the 10% rule in mind - thanks for the reminder! x

[Hidden in reply to oldwheezer69]

Glad to help. Do let us know how you get on with Runkeeper. ☺

[oldwheezer69 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I found an app called Pace Control last night and tried it this morning... I set it to 4k in 30 minutes with audio updates every 1/8 mile, and this little voice kept popping up to let me know if I was on time or behind by X seconds. Loved it! 😀 Will see how Runkeeper compares on Thursdays run.

[Hidden in reply to oldwheezer69]

That sounds really good. Just be careful not to overdo things trying to keep up! Good luck on Thursday 😊

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Go steady 😃. Stepping stones are designed for C25k graduates, so doing them will bring on your running safely. No rush though 🙂

I am new to Runkeeper but like it so far, except it did let me down last week in a wooded area. Cropped 4K off my run 🙄