How to run without c25k app?

[Marigoldseed]

I finished the programme a couple of weeks ago, i have been running since then but I'm finding it hard to stay motivated. I wasn't using a tracking app before so I started using strava, but then it decided I had only done half a mile by drawing a direct line to my house! I've also been listening to the final voiceover to time my run, but it gets a but old listening to it over and over again! Is there a more accurate tracking app than Strava? How do people know when to stop/turn around without the c25k app? I haven't seen a timer or anything on strava. I did use stopwatch on my phone but i had to stop running to turn it off everytime it rang. I dont want to do 10k as I'm running primarily for mental health benefits and go before work so don't have time for more than 40minutes. Basically I can't get into a good system of timing/tracking without the app and it's putting me off/getting me down, how do you do it?

[backintime Graduate]

You could make a play list and know which song is your turn around song ? Or set an alarm on your phone to go off at the half way point ? (in minutes not in distance obviously).

I have trouble motivating too sometimes without the plan.

Have you tried the stepping stones podcasts to mix it up a little ?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You could programme the intervals into Runkeeper and it would tell you when to start and stop running and also the distance covered at time or distance intervals.

By graduation most people are pretty familiar with their regular routes, but if running somewhere new I always check out the route on a map beforehand, generally with Maverick, which allows offline use of Ordnance survey maps.

[Marigoldseed Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Oh thank you, i hadn't heard of runkeeper, i think the interval programming will really help!

[Oldlady57]

The Nike Run Club (NRC) app has some interesting challenges Marigoldseed. It’s a free app. It will also track your runs ( l see you already use strava) Lots to choose from 👍🏻

[Debston Graduate]

Mapmyrun is good and free to use the basic version, I haven't had any problems with it.

[Hatman Graduate]

I am still happily running with Laura. NHS C25K+ Stepping Stones.

Doesn’t suit everyone. I have no thoughts of doing a 10k. Running for about 30 minutes, three times a week, is my current target or Quest. Then running BETTER. Getting rid of my “Dad Running.” Breathing easier, stepping lighter, relaxed shoulders, elbows 90 degrees. That kind of thing. Laura talks about all that then puts me through a strict timed run, at 150, 155 & 160 steps per minutes with lots of reminders of Up2,3,4. 1,2,3,4! Keep in time with the beat!

During consolidation I was running 50 metres beyond the corner of the road that I aimed for and reached in W9. Today I got there as Laura said 2 minutes to go. So my distance has improved, but not my time.

PS. Better music than in the C25K podcast too. It’s a free app, familiar voice & layout, walk 5, run 30, walk 5. Give it a go perhaps?

[MrsIzzyWizzy Graduate]

Strava works well but sometimes it is accidentally paused, then it draws a straight line. This is frustrating especially when it hasn’t tracked your route, distance or time correctly! Give Strava another go. Keep checking that you haven’t paused it by accident and it will track your route properly. It happened to me on W9R3, I was so cross!! Other than that, I really like Strava.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Should be easy enough to set a timer for your halfway mark and just run to a playlist.

I used to use Samsung Health app and set a running time.

That used to give a halfway shout out amongst other things, but recently that has gone on the blink for me.

I'm sure you will find the best solution for you 🤩