Running together listening to the same audio - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Running together listening to the same audio

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate
23 Replies

I and my partner want to start Couch to 5k and do it together.

I did the programme last year, using the "One You" app on my iPhone. It's a great programme! For me, one of the strengths is not having to "think" about it. You just listen to the instructions on when to start and stop running - and you can listen to music at the same time.

I'm thinking about the logisics of us both running at the same time. Ideally, I'd like to be able to play on one phone and that sound be mirrored on another phone. Surely, this should be possible with Bluetooth. We are not going to be more than a few metres away from each other, but we are not going to be exactly side-by-side.

However, despite a lot of Googling, I just can't find out how to do that. Surely, with Bluetooth, this should be possible. Any apps I found seem to assume people will be at home, using the same WiFi network - that's not going to work when we are out in the countryside!

Otherwise, we will have to have just one person listening on earphones and shouting to the other whenever the app says start or stop. It's definitely not feasible or desirable to be playing it on one speaker.

Anyway, I wonder if the people here have experience of this and any technical hints on how we can achieve this.

And do you have any hints on doing Couch to 5K as a couple. It's going to be a bit challenging I think to be able to find the same time to go out running and I'm worried it might be a bit stressful.

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doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74
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23 Replies
nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

The only phones that allow two simultaneous Bluetooth headsets to connect and receive the same audio that I know of are Samsung branded phones. My own phone (Google Pixel 3a) doesn't support it, nor does any iPhone.

Technically the Bluetooth spec allows for it, but only one manufacturer seems to have implemented it.

The only way would be a separate "dual bluetooth" transmitter connected to the 3.5mm headphone socket. That's not particularly convenient when out running, though.

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to nowster

Thanks very much. No... we definitely don't want to go out running with a wire between us! :-D

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

I was wondering the same thing, only slightly different. I currently use bluetooth headphones connected to my phone and I was wondering if I bought a smart watch (garmin or other) whether it also needs the bluetooth functionality or whether I can sync that after...

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

This might help you though, I found it on the internet, I haven't tried itampme.com/

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to backintime

Thank you very much. I had got as far as installing that on one phone.

However, from what I could figure out, that requires you to be connected to a WiFi network. I may be wrong, but it also looks quite complicated for what I would have thought to be my simple needs.

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to doonhamer74

From my reading, it did seem slightly complicated but it specifically says it doesn't need wifi, that it can work from a data connection - but as I said, I've never tried it

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

One earbud each...........

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Creative idea!Unfortunately, I don't have those wireless earbuds, so that would be a very close running together with my wired set!

Seriously though... would wireless earbuds actually stay in your ear when running? Excuse the naive question. Sometimes one half of my wired pair falls out, but at least I don't have to worry about losing the bud. I'd be scared about taking very expensive wireless ones out.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply to doonhamer74

I have no idea, in answer to your question.......maybe someone can tell us.

Popstess profile image
PopstessGraduate in reply to doonhamer74

Yes they stay in fine, I have apple AirPods and have ran 7 weeks of C25k with them no problem. They would also be perfect for a couple running with one each and listening to the app.

When I've ran with my partner or a friend I tend to run with 1 in and just let them know when to start and stop running.

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to Popstess

Thank you. I was not really wanting to invest in wireless ones (I'm scared I'm going to lose them...) but it does indeed sound like an option as long as they stay in our ears!

Popstess profile image
PopstessGraduate in reply to doonhamer74

Could you experiment with both pressing play at the same time on different devices you might be a few seconds difference but not enough to make a difference to the plan

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to Popstess

That's another possibility. I'd thought of that, but kind of dismissed it.

Thinking it through more though... that could have some distinct advantages though. We could be listening to different background music but get the same Laura voice at virtually the same time... the more I ponder this, I wonder if it's actually the best option - it means I don't have to buy wireless ear pods, which I'm also a bit against on eco grounds.

Goodwindaws5 profile image
Goodwindaws5 in reply to doonhamer74

I did this with my son during lockdown. He wasn't into my music...and vice versa so it worked really well for us.... My husband has a Samsung so we can connect 2 Bluetooth devices to that but having our own playlists was actually a big bonus.

Devon_straggler profile image
Devon_stragglerGraduate in reply to doonhamer74

This would be my suggestion. My partner and I use one wireless earbud each when out walking and it works well as long as the earbuds aren't separated by heads (i.e. person on the right uses the left ear bud and vice versa) and you don't get too far apart. I use one or both of my ear buds when running and have never had any issues with them falling out which I was surprised about as wired ones always used to - perhaps it is the weight of the wire pulling them down? My earbuds aren't specifically sport ones, you might be able to get some that hook behind your ear but I don't know whether those type are only wired ones. My earbuds are made by GOSCIEN, currently £22.94 on a well-known forest named website...

Take a look at this, it may be what you are after. youtube.com/watch?v=jbF9rHS...

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to

Thanks very much. I looked at this and from what I could figure out, it had these disadvantages:

1. It has to be on a WiFi network - so not an option when out running

2. From that video, it appeared that you had to choose a music source from one that they offer. Seemingly only YouTube and a couple of others. No option to play another app (e.g. Couch to 5k).

in reply to doonhamer74

Sorry, I must admit I did not look too deeply into that. I had been looking for a phone based baby monitor a while ago and remembered coming across music sharing.

A friend of a friends husband wrote an app that you can identify a baby's cry and send an alert to another phone. It can be set to play sounds or music to help the baby sleep but still detect the cry. Apparently its not been fully released yet which is why I could not find it. (not that I need a baby monitor now, it just sounded interesting).

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

LouiseA profile image
LouiseAGraduate

I did c25k last year with my wife and we both downloaded the app on our own phones and pressed play at the same time, and we never had any trouble. We just stepped out the door, did a little count down (3,2,1) then pressed play. Maybe try that? Happy running and good luck both! 🏃🏻‍♀️

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to LouiseA

Thank you, Louise. I think this may just be the best solution.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

You’ve had loads of answers so i thought i’d share what we did.We used my phone for the app and music and after a couple of runs with me shouting when to run or walk I bought a set of cheap wireless ear buds and we had one each until Willow got too far in front, so then I bought him his set of cheap earbuds, they have never fallen out, now we both have garmin with music which is great as I like to vary my music more than he does

doonhamer74 profile image
doonhamer74Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Thank you guys.

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