C25K coaches/apps with minimal talking?

[Annabanananan]

I've only recently started C25K and I'm loving it so far - it feels very strange saying that as I am not a natural runner! I've been listening to podcasts while I run and I'm finding the coaches' chat a bit intrusive - it's fine when they're just telling me to run/walk, but I don't really need the extra encouragement, especially when it's repeated on different runs in the same week as it means I miss quite big chunks of the podcast I'm listening to.

Just wondering if anyone could recommend a particular coach (I've tried Sarah and Jo so far) who doesn't talk as much, or an alternative to the NHS app?

Thanks in advance

[Gill2000 Graduate]

Hi, I know what you mean. I switched from podcasts to music, and sometimes the radio for this reason. In the later, longer, runs you could just set a timer on your phone for the set duration of the run, then play the podcast uninterrupted (and, after you are home, let the podcast play so you can record your completed run).

But whatever you do, so great to hear you’re loving it. I start week 9 on Monday and am def not a natural runner!,

[Annabanananan Graduate in reply to Gill2000]

Thanks - yes, with the longer runs I will definitely just use a timer I think. For now I might try and work out how to use the fiddly controls on my earphones to pause the podcast!

Yes, I can't believe I'm enjoying it, it feels like some kind of midlife crisis it's so alien for me, but it's a very positive one if it is!

Good luck with week 9 - I find it fascinating reading about other people's experiences but I'm on week 3 and only looking a little bit ahead, so week 9 seems an impressively long way off!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

All the coaches use the same basic script.

You could just programme the C25k intervals into Runkeeper and use that keep track without disturbing your podcast to the same degree.

Enjoy your journey.

[Honor32]

I’m afraid I am a bit of a purist. I downloaded the app and Michael Johnson was my trainer. Who better( olympian and world class athlete) listen to what you want to, the app plays alongside and your trainer only comes in when it’s time to speed up and slow down etc. Hope this helps.

[Ilovepotatoes Graduate]

I’ve only had Sanjeev as my trainer and don’t feel he talks too much but as I’ve not tried the others I can’t compare.

[SandraY1 Graduate]

When you first start the programme, the Trainers give you your intervals for the Run & walk parts which come up quite quickly. As you get further in the programme the Trainers only tell you start warm-up walk, start running 🏃‍♀️ then that you have done 5 minutes, half way with bell 🔔 than last five minutes than you have 60 seconds. Then you have completed now you can stop running cool. Start cool-down walk and a little chat from your Trainers. All theses between your listening media. Some people like these queues when running 🏃‍♀️

[Annabanananan Graduate]

Thanks for the suggestions. Found the pause button on my earphones this morning and that did the trick