Since graduating I have been using W9R3 for consolidation runs but I am starting to feel like I need a change. I have always been rubbish when it comes to technology - nothing ever seems to work properly and apps never seem to have instructions to tell you how to use them properly and I never seem to find them intuitive. I wonder if someone could recommend something easy to use that will tell me how long I have to go (similar to the 10 min, halfway etc in C25K) and may even be able to show me the distance that I have run? I have an android phone.
running apps for technophobes: Since graduating... - Couch to 5K
running apps for technophobes
![Leotigris profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5029d40a0c2947a684c9c5f0f9fe5f69_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Leotigris profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5029d40a0c2947a684c9c5f0f9fe5f69_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![nowster profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/15ae9bc3d606810563b374de43ad89cc_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
At the simplest, you could use the countdown timer in the built-in clock app.
Again, looking at the simpler end of things, the Google Fit app can track a running workout nowadays.
thanks Nowster, how does that work?
Have you ever used the clock app's countdown timer? Set it for your half way duration, and set it going when you start your session. Then restart the same timer when you get half way.
The Google Fit app has a big + sign at the bottom right of its main screen. Tap that, select "Track workout" and if running isn't already the activity selected, select it from the list, then tap the ▶️ icon.
![Roxdog profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3864dba96b14465183ff103d949cd637_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You could try downloading strava. There is a free version. It doesn't have time alerts etc, but is a way of tracking distance. I just use that alongside my own music. I'm sure other forum members will give you suggestions too.
![Leotigris profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5029d40a0c2947a684c9c5f0f9fe5f69_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Thanks Roxdog, is Strava easy to use? Does it come with idiot-proof instructions?
![Liono profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/7377c497-fa83-41d2-8d15-ddf300ee1574_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I've used Map My Run a few times and as a fellow technophobe it seems pretty straightforward. No idea if I'm using it correctly but it gives a little map of my run and measures distance and pace. A voice kicks in every so often telling me distance covered. I just run it at the same time as the C25K app. For time left I just glance at my watch when I first start running. Like you I find the thought of fiddling with tech when I'm running very off-putting!
Thanks Liono, I might try that one, although I don't have a watch so might have to get one so I can check times
![CBDB profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/65785bc08479a00322d84abf12574321_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I like Runkeeper. But I do love my tech. But the free version does have everything you need on it.
![Debsyp profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/1f10b464a0dabb2c44138ce91c5298e9_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Have you tried NRC (Nike running club) App? It’s pretty simple to use and has lots of guided runs which are self explanatory to use.
I’d second that, and Coach Bennett tells you to turn round about half way. He also keeps piping up to tell you how far you have done and how far you have left to go. Just choose your run from the written description, start it and go. It maps and saves your runs too.
Thanks Debsyp & Frizzbomb. That sounds like an american app?
Hello, you recommended the Nike app and it’s great x did a long run sat today the guided runs have gone, do you have to pay after a while? X
Indeed they have! I suspect they’ve just updated their app but I can’t find the guided runs either. Perhaps someone can enlighten us 🤔
They are back THEY ARE BACK 😊😘
Yep mine just appeared too! 😁Someone said the app has been playing up lately. Probably because they have updated it. Why can’t they just leave things as they are 🤷🏻♀️. I thought it was over between me and Coach Bennett 😂😂
![Wavy-chick28 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/acbac4854eba012cc44d3118bbd930d4_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I would say Strava easy, track your runs and gives an audible check on your speed and distance every half K, also the NRC app if you can work c25k you should be able to use this?
![Jenny1974 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/9247f859c3367af05d160c9351ef49d3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I’d like something to follow too x I just keep doing the last run, I like Reece Parkinson telling me how well I’ve done x if I the. Feel up to it I run for a bit longer x
Then you’ll like Coach Bennett on Nike Run Club. He’s a bit cheesy but he means well 😂
Thank you, just downloaded the app. Off to the gym this morning so will give him a go x by the sounds and look of it this is what I’ve been looking for thank you ❤️
![Rowers profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/9fa68b925b5c1b67464fe953df7ac417_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
If you have a Samsung phone, you can use Samsung Health. Essentially tell it how far you want to go, hit start, and then you'll be told every km how far you've done, how fast, what's left to go (if you've got the volume up!) Not sure it's that accurate with distance though.
![Wawacito profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/a1113e2e8bb0327addbc4f6865123274_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I would recommend Strava.
The app comes as a free as well as a membership version. I have been using the free option for a year now and am very happy with it.
You start the app, choose "record actitivy", choose the type of activity (walk, run, cycling) and off you go. It records distance (choice of kilometres or miles), pace, duration and also provides a map of where you've been. On top of that you get basics stats on splits.
To me that is all I need.
I am quite tech savvy, however I do prefer apps or technology that is self-explaining resp. intuitive to use. Hate manuals.
Thanks Wawacito, I definitely prefer apps/technology that is intuitive ut so much is totally opaque to me
Does Strava give any info as you go to say how long you've been running?
Yes, it shows you the duration of the run as well. I've added an screenshot of yesterday's run where I ran 2k thru the fields and then back along the same route.
You see the path in orange, the distance of 4k, next to the distance the pace of 6:55/km and the duration of the run was 27:43 min. The other data is elevation of 2m, max elevation 6m.
Click on the image for the full screenshot.
![Bruuuce profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/0ebe15eed22c4afe7712d8c6824f9b3b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I use the free bit of the Strava app which I find easy to use. Otherwise I set my alarm on the phone to 40 minutes. When the alarm goes off I run home. This way I just run a random route. Sometimes when the alarm goes off I’m 5 mins from home, sometimes further, sometimes less but I know I will have run approx 5k which is OK for me.
![Leotigris profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5029d40a0c2947a684c9c5f0f9fe5f69_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
thanks Bruuuce, that sounds like a good plan! But you don't get any alerts along the way to say how much time has elapsed?