Who is Laura?

My app only has Michael Johnson, Sarah Milligan, Jo Whiley and Sanjeev Kohli. I cant find one that is in the least encouraging. Saying you can do it once or twice is not what I had in mind as regards motivation. Is Laura better? Where do I find her?

[Chris9R Graduate]

Laura is on the podcast. With the app you get to use your own music. The podcast has its own "music" the words spoken are very similar 👍🏻

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Yes, as Chris9R says.

Many love Laura and her music.

Many love Laura but not her music

🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[zwdwd in reply to Millsie-J]

Oh my god I had no idea you could get different people to have as your 'trainer'. I thought the Laura podcasts ones were the only ones. Often the most difficult things about the runs has been getting through the dire music haha, can't believe after all these weeks I didn't have to be listening to it!! I will be investigating the app this evening...

[MarkyD Graduate]

You can find the NHS C25K podcast from your phone's 'Music Store'. It'll be free to download, but just be careful to download the correct one... there are many imitators.

If you're proficient with all things technical, you can also download the podcasts from this site:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5......

Once you have it on your computer, you can transfer the files to your phone or MP3 player.

Laura is a calm, reassuring, motivating coach and many of us have come to love her. The music in the podcasts is a bit hit and miss, but it's just for 9 weeks of your life.

[Cazza73]

My husband loves jo whiley as he says it 'gets him going' whatever that means! I don't care who I have as long at it keeps me where I need to be at at what time

[wigiwig in reply to Cazza73]

I listen to Sarah Millican. She called me 'pet' on my run this morning.

[Hidden in reply to Cazza73]

Also a fan of Jo's calm streaky voice. She says she's done it herself and I believe her. (Please don't anyone tell me otherwise)

[gazelle2B Graduate]

Hi Pipnid, Go to this page:

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

then scroll to the bottom to see a video starring the actual Laura!

P.S. There are links on this page to go to iTunes or Google Play to download the app. I use the app (as opposed to the podcasts) because I prefer to play my own music, but either way, this programme works!

[Hidden]

Thanks everyone. I found the real Laura as suggested by gazelle2B and I listened to one of the podcasts without running. I liked her but I wasn't at all keen on the music. However I tried Jo Whiley today and I like her like Cazza3's husband so I think I will stick with her and play my own music.

[Cazza73 in reply to Hidden]

I'm still working out how to put the music in still but must admit she is good. I even tweeted her saying how good she is at keeping me motivated. She didn't reply.

[Hidden in reply to Cazza73]

If you have an iphone you used the music app. If not I think you can drag and drop songs from your computer into whatever music app is on the phone. Not sure here, just waffling

[GoogleMe Graduate]

One of the particular merits of listening to Laura is that you know that she is someone who has done the programme (she used to post here)

The format is more robust so fewer runs messed up by technical issues (and no time spent making your playlist)

And the music is character forming at worst. "You and Julie" is a shared experience.

I feel it is a mistake to conflate doing C25K with some sort of 'Desert Island Discs' - and your own choice of listening can be a useful carrot for getting to the end. Plus on at least one occasion not wanting to listen to a particular track again by having to repeat the session one more time was the motivation I needed to complete the run...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Download the linked NHS C25K in the replies.. and follow it...the motivation comes from you...it could be hiding, but you get out there and it might find you

As, GoogleMe says,Laura has done this... and everything just follows on.., Time for playlists and music can come later...

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. I am motivated just terrified of tearing a muscle again. today I felt a twinge in my calf and almost stopped. I have massaged them and stretched them and it feels OK now but I live in a constant state of panic in case it happens again. It just takes so long to fix.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Sorry.. not sure if we have got confused.. it was the bit in your post where you say..." Saying you can do it once or twice is not what I had in mind as regards motivation"...?

Also...after checking your previous post.. the torn muscle now makes sense, and I would echo, even more now, GoogleMe ... Laura and the steady build up of each run...in spite of the music would I feel be better for you in light of your concerns... and would be more helpful with your progress

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for the suggestion. I may take Laura on a run on Wednesday and see how we get on. I am desperate for exercise and having just had bursitis in my shoulder for six months, the gym is pretty boring and restricted without arms.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Give it a go Just go slow and really steady..

[Bells411]

I'm running to Michael Johnson and find his voice so soothing! When he announces the end of the run is like an angel from above! Stick with him ❤️❤️

[Baz62 Graduate in reply to Bells411]

I'm with him too , love his voice 😀

[Hidden]

I've only heard Laura. No music on my phone so I plod along with my ancient iPod and the podcasts. The music lol is well not what I would chose but must admit I keep signing some of the songs in my head. 🤔.

[Ruthiella Graduate]

I run with Sarah Millican and find that she has worked well for me (2 more runs until Graduation) and I like being able to use my own music. Interestingly, the perfect song has always come on just when I need it (slower beat when I'm tired, faster beat to get me to speed up, our first dance song to motivate me, a fab worship song to remind me I'm never alone etc etc).

[TiredOldMan Graduate]

I have Sanjeev Kohli keeping me company. I made my own playlist by finding a particular beat that I could run to, then choosing songs with the same beat. Works for me

[Bonkersbrit Graduate]

Just a thought....if they made Laura an option on the app, surely we could have the best of both worlds?