Help with timing and distance

[mmp30]

Being a complete luddite I'm not sure what sort of watch or app I should be looking to have when I want to time my runs and see how far I have run. I know I'm not very fast so doubt I will achieve 5k when I can run 30 mins. Any advice welcome from you young 'uns.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Like you I’m a computer-phobe so any tech is a bit of a nightmare! I stuck with a download of the free version of Strava while I was doing my C25K. It does what you need - will map your run and tell you how far you’ve been. After that, the Garmin Forerunner range seems to be very popular here on the forum but as in all things tech, there’s a large variety to suit deep and not so deep pockets!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

If you’re a complete Luddite, a running watch is almost certainly going to feel more familiar. I love the Garmin forerunner range as they’re developed specifically for running.

If we are looking at apps, strava, Nike run club, MapMyRun and others all so what you need... and beyond that have different strengths, so it’d be a personal choice depending on what else, if anything, you would like from it (more stats, running plans, coaching, fitness analysis, etc) and also if you plan to log other activities too.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I use my Apple Watch, but there a many others out there on the market, such as Samsung, Fitbit etc

[TotalNewbie1 Graduate]

I use Nike Run Club app - very easy to use. Downloaded onto my phone. I like it as I can set time or distance depending on how I feel. It has a map showing where I ran at the end. Recommended to me by young ‘uns as I am an oldie techno phobe

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

I’m not a young un (54) but recently bought a Fitbit Charge 3, probably not cheapest out there but I like it and found it easy to use 👍

[mmp30 Graduate]

Thanks to everyone for your tips and advice. I've downloaded Strava to use in the meantime and just about worked out what do! Ran for 25 mins today W7R1 and only managed 3k so have a way to go before I reach the magical 5k!