App tips?

[MegJones23]

Hi guys, started today at w1r1 and enjoyed! Was just wondering if anyone had any recommendations for app for measuring route/speed/distance? Tried to use Nike run but didn’t get on with it and I know people use strava? Thanks!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I tried Nike before here too... but I couldn’t run 10 minutes... it’s now my go to app for training, because I did this.

For tracking purposes there’s maybe 200 apps that will all do the same job, you’ve named two already!

Well done on the first run... don’t get hung up on speed or distance, it’s about time. Speed and distance are your enemies until you’re a runner. Run slow, develop the endurance, then maybe care about speed and distance. If you do track the early runs, my advice would be to immediately close the app, don’t read the stats, maybe look at them in six months to see where you came from.

Enjoy your journey.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Trust Mummy and Daddy - at this time , you would be much better off if you just ran and completed the set tasks - and don't even think about what distance you may or may not have run nor the pace.

[Whatnog]

Hi MegJones23, congratulations, well done you, completing W1R1 😃!!

I do agree with the wise words said by the guys ⬆️. I would just focus on running at a comfortable, slow, steady pace during the first weeks. Your inner 🐌 will probably be a better companion than any app right now! Other than that, I cannot say much as I started using Nike on W6 and I still do. Happy running!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[up_and_running]

Endomondo well works for me but if you do use a tracking app please don’t fall into the trap of trying to go faster each time. It’s all about building your running ability slowly to stay injury free. Enjoy your journey and do leverage the support of this community.

[Simonb3636]

I've been using Strava since I started, now on week 6. It's been a good incentive over time, but do realise that distance an speed will fluctuate as the programme changes, it's not a guaranteed increase each time. Overall though, I find it very useful and sometimes it lifts my spirits when I get good figures after what felt like a bad run. Just don't compare yourself to others running the same routes, which Strava does.

[HelenkaZ Graduate]

Call me a Luddite but my tip is not to focus too much on tech - it failed on more than one occasion for me. Yes it's useful in many ways but I found that writing down on a piece of a4 paper the week, run number AND the specific content of the run, how you felt before and after and any other 'memory hooks' the most helpful. I found it difficult to track progress by apps. Old fashioned? Perhaps. But for me, after what I thought was a 'rubbish run' , I'd look back at this piece of tangible evidence, in one place and think , yeah, it might not have gone that great, but it's definitely progress. And you see the progress in one easy place, and as it gets longer the more apparent it is. I'd post a picture or the scrawl but it's a bit embarrasing in terms of presentation ... errr and content on occasion, no one needs to see my order numbers from eBay. 😀

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to HelenkaZ]

I hear Dr Bannister broke the 4 minute mile without a running app!

Love your answer... keep writing it down, it’ll make a great read in year to come.

[rollyrol Graduate]

I started by writing in a diary - just how far I"d gone (just do your walk/run then map it on map my run or similar) and how I felt before, during and after. I started in Jan this year and I am doing 'ok' now, going out 2 of 3 times a week for a run. I'm not breaking any records that's for sure but I do like to use Strava now to log speed/distance. It very kindly tells you when you've beat your own time for a km, a mile, a 5k or whatever 😊

I must say though that I love looking back at the diary i first kept just to remind myself how much I have improved since those first '9' weeks (think i did it in 15 weeks actually 😉) It's more the emotions I look for though - one entry reads 'i can't believe I just ran for 3 minutes!', and at the time I really couldn't believe it! I think it's important to remind yourself of this.

However you chose to record your efforts I wish you the best of luck. X

[chrisc25k Graduate]

Well done hun for getting this far x I’ve been using NRC Nike Running Club app in conjunction with the c25k app. It has been great to help me push myself and work on my pace and improved distance. Can get a lil tricky as before I’m about to run(after the 5 min warm up) I pause c25k app so I can start NRC as I don’t start it when walking as it averages out pace against walking and running. X