Running apps

[Slbu]

Anyone recommend any running apps? Or shd I not bother with speed/distance and just listen to the lovely Michael? Am w6r2.....

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I did not have any running apps until after I graduated, I think you should only have the C25K app for instructions and any music you wish, either radio, Spotify etc, only after you graduate and want to go a little faster, then an app such as MapmyRun is useful.

[Slbu in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks - good advice! Definitely can’t be without my music....

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Once I reached 6:3 I dreaded running without walking breaks, so I started using Strava (free version) to get an idea of pace and distance, and I find it helpful. It depends whether you’ll find it supportive even when you go slower, or whether you’re fiercely competitive, in which case I’d follow AlMorr’s advice and concentrate on graduating first.

[Slbu in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks - not fiercely competitive, just easily bored...might just stick with Michael and Deezer for now!

[2718281 Graduate in reply to Slbu]

I'm Jo and Deezer, so far so good, tomorrow is w9r1...

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

I used runkeeper (free version) from the beginning because I love a statistic (sad I know )

I like looking back on the runs I've done. I guess it's an electronic journal of sorts.

During my runs it tells me my split pace ever 250m. This allows me to adjust my pace if it starts getting too fast. It also shows my cadence which has become more consistent over time. Due in part to me being able to regulate speed easily.

If you think it's going to cause negative vibes then don't use one. If you think it may be helpful then do 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just follow the plan and enjoy

[Agentmay Graduate]

I used the plan and app until I graduated, now I use the Nike Run Club app. I'd stick to the plan until you've finished then you can decide what's best for you.

[PlodLife Graduate]

I started using strava at week 9. It's handy to track pace and compare your runs.

[windyjine]

michael👌

[LeeU Graduate]

Stick with the plan, even after graduating, you can still use week 9 for your consolidation runs if you like, I preferred the structure of the podcast so used that on mine, it was very helpful.

[Slbu in reply to LeeU]

Thanks - have to say I agree, I wish I had more self- discipline but I do worm best when I’m being told what to do! Guess that’s why I’ve never run before and why this plan is so great! 😁

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Slbu]

At school if a teacher told me to run a mile I'd have laughed in his face, my job (in IT) involves a lot of travelling, siting down, flying and maybe some walking to the tube from the train when I go into London.

Having the podcast tell me when to run, when to walk etc, allows me to switch off my head and clear my mind, with the podcast I don't even need to think what playlist to have running, it includes music (it's just background noise as I know I can't change it).

I used several of the podcasts depending on what I wanted to do that day, long slow run then week 9, single shorter faster run then week 5 run 3 (not something I ever thought I would say when I first started); for intervals weeks 1 to 3 depending on the amount of time I wanted to run.

[Markco93 Graduate]

I used the podcasts and spotify while I was completing the plan, and recorded the runs using the Apple activity app. Recording them was a curiosity to start with, but becomes more useful as you progress. Around week 6 I switched to using Strava to record the runs, this was initially because my children asked me to so that they could monitor my progress. It was all positive and I started to get lots of extra encouragement.

Since graduating I have treated myself to a Garmin watch, which is a huge improvement on the Apple watch in running terms and currently use this to record runs, I share the activity with Strava (the 2 integrate seamlessly). I have switched from music to listening to podcasts more when I run, I find it easier to control my pace listening to speech rather than music.

[Slbu in reply to Markco93]

Thanks good tips!

[Moon26 Graduate]

I have used Strava since the start and have found it helps. You can see how far you've run and how much you've improved. You don't have to share your runs on Strava and I don't always but I have found that, when I do, the people I share with ( my kids, nieces and nephews, my brother who all live in different parts of the World ) their comments and kudos are very encouraging. Just to get this in perspective, I ran my first 5k under 40 minutes just a few weeks ago. I'm not a speedy runner but I am enjoying the challenge and Strava, Spotify and Jo Whiley all help me keep going. Give it a go. It's free. What can happen?

[Crolla]

I used the plan, then when I graduated I switched to music only, but when I wanted to track my distance and see how far I was running, I downloaded Runkeeper. I also have a fitbit but it has variable results. I like Runkeeper because it will throw some stats at you while you run, but it lets you listen to your music as well.