Knowing how long you have left - help or hindr... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Knowing how long you have left - help or hindrance?

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate
32 Replies

I have w6r3 tomorrow. I'm thinking about setting an alarm for 25 mins instead of playing the app now that there are no more walk breaks. I often find that when Laura tells me how long I have run for it draws my attention to how much longer I have to run which sets of the 'I can't do it' voice inside my head. I am hoping that I can get absorbed in an audio book and find my flow better this way. Has anyone else tried this?

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maxilib profile image
maxilib
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32 Replies
trogdelight profile image
trogdelightGraduate

The most depressing one is the one telling you that you've been running for 5 minutes. It makes me realise I still have more than 3/4 of the run to go. Somehow though, the middle bit is usually OK and I almost can't believe it when she says I only have a minute to go.

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate in reply to trogdelight

Yeah, I agree, that 5 minute announcement is very disheartening 😧, I like getting to the last 60 seconds best 😎.

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to Gran4z

That's definitely the best reminder....other than 'you can slow down now' ;D

in reply to trogdelight

Yes I feel the same - that five mins is awful! I always think - five minutes??? Feels like abt 5 weeks!!!

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to

😂

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate in reply to maxilib

Tarts, I'm telling you!! Tarts!!

Run-Claire-Run profile image
Run-Claire-RunGraduate in reply to

That's so me, fives minutes - wth, surely I've done 20 mins by now!

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to Run-Claire-Run

😂

pianoteacher profile image
pianoteacherGraduate

I have done the whole of couch25k (on week 9 now) using only an interval timer - I have a Nokia brick so no means to use the app or play music.

For the longer runs I've set it to go off at the halfway point so I know when to turn round. I just run until the beep and that's it - I find it works really well for me.

Towards the end of the programme the barriers seem far more psychological than physical so I would see give it a go and see how you get on x

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to pianoteacher

I think you are right - the psychological aspects cause the biggest challenges. I'm definitely going to give a try tomorrow x

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate in reply to pianoteacher

I like listening to music whilst jogging (I don't think I run, actually) it kind of distracts from everything else that's going on with my body, i.e. tired legs!

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to Gran4z

Distraction is definitely what I am looking for! I think that knowing that there will be a time check coming means I don't get lost in flow.

Mumsygill profile image
MumsygillGraduate

Actually you've really made me think.I also find the first five minute warning very disheartening. I'm doing the same run as you tomo so am going to set an alarm too to see how I get on. After all, in four more runs we won't have the timers anyway will we?. Will be interesting to compare notes tomo. Good luck with yours!!

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to Mumsygill

It will definitely be good to compare notes! Good luck tomorrow - we can do this!

I haven't tried anything else but I feel the same abt Laura. I've just done W7R1 & I thought I had a minute to go when she came on & said "you've run for 20 mins" I had five left to go!!! Nearly chucked it in there & then but pushed on. I like to have my music as it motivates me - but yes try anything that gets you through it. I wish they had a choice on the App where you could either hear it or not hear it. Good luck & keep us posted.

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to

Thanks, will do and well done for pushing on through!

Razouski profile image
Razouski in reply to

If you use the app rather than the podcasts you can have your own music and mute the app. Laura is on the podcast so you have to run with her music and reminders.

It’s funny how we all

react differently. I became reliant on Laura when I did C25K and even used Week 9 podcasts for a few runs after graduating as I felt I couldn’t run without her.

Just do what suits you best.

Happy running whatever you decide to do.

ccarter100 profile image
ccarter100 in reply to Razouski

What is the name of the app? I’m using the podcast with Laura, but it would be fun to try the app.

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to ccarter100

It's just the couch to 5k app - it let's you play your own music at the same time as vetting the reminders ☺

ccarter100 profile image
ccarter100 in reply to maxilib

Thanks!

Razouski profile image
Razouski in reply to ccarter100

It’s called One You Couch to 5K. You can choose your coach from Sarah Millican, Jo Wiley, Michael Johnson and one other, and play your own music. You’ll find it on this web page if you scroll down.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/g...

I ditched Laura at week 7 (before the app and her music was killing me) I listened to audiobooks then (and still do) and can really lose myself in a good book. The miles can pass without too much trouble😊😊🏃🏾‍♀️😊😊

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to

That's so good to know - thank you!

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate

Weaning yourself off the app now you don't have the walk breaks makes perfect sense. If you have an alternative timer (and there are loads out there) I'd go for it. From what I hear, Laura and her chums will go off with any new stranger who comes along. It's a harsh world out there...

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to sallenson

🤣🤣

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate in reply to maxilib

It's like Tinder out there with these running celebs...

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to sallenson

I know! It's shocking 😂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just do what feels right for you.... it is that simple... :)

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

😁

Kar43 profile image
Kar43

That's a good idea. Go with it 😉 I've recently stopped checking how long I left and now keep my phone in bag in bag pack so I can't see nor hear it. But a timer does make more sense. I just never thought of that 😊

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate

So I went equipped on my first 25 min run with an audio book and an alarm. I think it helped a bit to not have updates so I'm going to stick with that for the rest of the plan. I did feel like i was dying by the end of the 25 minutes but im really proud that i made it! I'm going to have a look for some comedy podcasts to accompany my next run as I think some humour would help too!

Mumsygill profile image
MumsygillGraduate in reply to maxilib

Been waiting for you to post to see how you got on. Didn’t realise you’d added it here.

Glad you found it worked better for you even tho the run was as hard as ever- me too!

After my techno failure I’m going to keep going till I graduate , with the app. God forbid I should run more than 30mins!!😂

Hope to see you on the podium next week sometime!🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

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