Do all the voices use the same script

[Unfit20yearold]

Do all the voices use the same script? I feel I need some more support while I’m pushing to keep running

[JellyWarBean]

I listen to motivational speeches when I run 😂

I even thought about recording my own lol

[Rolllo in reply to JellyWarBean]

Can you recommend any that you’ve found helpful please? 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

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

Apart from some very minor personalisations, the scripts and all the info given by the coaches are the same.

Enjoy your journey.

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate]

I know exactly what you mean! I can remember thinking come on Michael, say something, anything, just help me! Had the app stopped? Did I do something wrong? Then finally there he was again 😂 I found it helped to work on distraction techniques like counting pace 1,2,3,4. 1,2,3,4. Or looking for a milestone on route - I will run to that tree then that bench then that, oh and here is Michael again. Keep going - you’ve got this!

[Lifluf]

Have you got some good background music on? I find it helps if your enjoying the journey. Then you just need the voices just tell you your doing ok and when to start and stop running.

[-Bertie-]

Hi, I'm currently helping PHE (the makers of the app) make improvements. I'm interested in this topic! It's something that I thought as well. Any thoughts on how it could be improved?

[Unfit20yearold in reply to -Bertie-]

It would help me even if one of the voices could do a countdown to when you have to stop running. Even if they did some general chat, I do listen to music and I understand a lot of people would just like to do their own thing. Not bothered about it been a famous person

[Nickyholmes Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

Please can we have a fanfare when you have completed the last run. Also I would like more commentary especially on the runs of 20 mins or more.

Many thanks

Nicky

[-Bertie- in reply to Nickyholmes]

A fanfare would be nice!

What's the problem with the 20 min runs? Not enough guidance? Anything you can think of that would help with those specifically?

[Nickyholmes Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

Like Slothgoesrunning, on the 25 mins runs I found myself thinking the app had stopped and had to look at phone to make sure it was still going. I really needed someone telling me only 5 mins left and you can do it.

Was disappointed when I completed the final run and there was nothing different. (Would really have liked a crowd of cheering people throwing flowers at me, but a fanfare would suffice!)

Overall the couch to 5 k is great.

[-Bertie- in reply to Nickyholmes]

😂 I wish I could organise flower throwing! But I take your point - it's a bit underwhelming. I wonder what else might make that moment more significant!

I didn't realise there was so little support in the longer runs. I've been using the app myself, but I'm only at week 4 so far.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

Hi -Bertie- . Excuse me joining in this thread. Have you thought about having different types of “chat” from your different voices? Maybe they could range from the current rather low level of script up to something more suitable for people who would enjoy more talk? My own experience was to move to podcasts instead of music as soon as I realised they could be used

[-Bertie- in reply to Granspeed]

That's a really interesting idea. Any thoughts on what the chat might be about? Would it be running based or more general encouragement? I could imagine little podcast style episodes on useful running advice.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

I like the advice & info idea - I certainly began from a very low knowledge base about all things running except that it was supposed to be good for you! Even little chunks of different people saying a few sentences about why they started running/kept on running might be interesting. Also, early on some references to health unlocked and especially this forum would be good. Lots of us found it by merest accident, and some not until well into the plan. But I also think some coaches who are more “just do this” would be good for folks who just want their own music & the timings. Variation is good. 🤔😊

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

Somebody just asked about the Toxic Ten. That would make a good topic for a short chat. Also, why rest days are vital.

[-Bertie- in reply to Granspeed]

Yes, defo. I'd not come across the term toxic 10 before, but when I read about it rang a bell. So useful to understand why the first 10 mins are painful sometimes.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

This forum is so useful! But not everyone finds it....

[-Bertie- in reply to Granspeed]

Yes! The forum is great!! What have you found most useful about it?

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to -Bertie-]

Answers to practical/technical issues with running - there’s a huge knowledge pool here at all levels - and the generous, positive spirit in which all help & advice is given. The Admin/Mentor Team is amazing at keeping this spirit active. Everyone helps & encourages everyone else.

[SmudgeandRocket in reply to -Bertie-]

I found it very demoralising when I was running the 20 min at the end of week 5 being told every 5 minutes how far through it was. I'd rather not know so i can be distracted by my music/podcast and be pleasantly surprised when told there's only 2 minutes left. I've been dreading the 25 minute run at the end of week 6

[-Bertie-]

Sounds sensible

I also thought it might help to use the first 5 mins walking to go chat through some info that people might find helpful - best clothes to run in / playlists / safety (night running / road running) / route planning etc. Would that have worked for you?

[Unfit20yearold in reply to -Bertie-]

Yeah defiantly as a first time runner I’m not fully sure on running technique, which I feel has caused the pain I now have in my ankles hips and shins

[-Bertie- in reply to Unfit20yearold]

Oh dear. That's not good.

What do you think was the problem? Be good to make sure that people don't hurt themselves!

[Unfit20yearold in reply to -Bertie-]

After looking on YouTube I was landing on my heel more than the middle of my foot. I also think it would be a good idea to have breathing reminders, I tend to forget to take a deep breath with my shoulders back

[JellyWarBean]

Arnold Schwarzenegger gives the most amazing speeches, I could listen to him all day long, the thing that sticks with me is when he says every time you achieve your target no matter how small build on that victory, never be afraid to fail, if you’ve pushed your self to failure have you really failed?

I just play you tube when I’m running