running apps for technophobes

[Leotigris]

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.

[nowster Graduate]

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.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to nowster]

thanks Nowster, how does that work?

[nowster Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

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.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to nowster]

To be honest I didn't even know that it existed! I'm not sure that I want to mess about restarting things half way through the run though - It's a bit of a faff getting my phone out of my pocket while running!!

[Roxdog Graduate]

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 Graduate]

Thanks Roxdog, is Strava easy to use? Does it come with idiot-proof instructions?

[nowster Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

Sadly, most apps nowadays have almost no instructions and you have to work things out for yourself.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to nowster]

hmm, I expected as much - unfortunately given my previous experience there doesn't seem much chance of that!

[Liono Graduate]

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!

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Liono]

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

[nowster Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

I know someone here ran using a kitchen timer! That's an option.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to nowster]

brilliant - what a shame it would have to be reset throughout the run!

[CBDB Graduate]

I like Runkeeper. But I do love my tech. But the free version does have everything you need on it.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to CBDB]

thanks CBDB, I'll have a look at Runkeeper

[Debsyp Graduate]

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.

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Debsyp]

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.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thanks Debsyp & Frizzbomb. That sounds like an american app?

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

Yes American but free to download and use

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

You can either do guided runs or set a time or distance and it will tell you when you've passed each km

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

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

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Jenny1974]

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 🤔

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

I’m gutted x it really helped me on Saturday x

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

They are back THEY ARE BACK 😊😘

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Jenny1974]

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 😂😂

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Ha he did get me through Saturday but he does go on 😂😂 like the fact that there’s loads of runs x I do the treadmill and it’s so helpful x really great full for the recommended

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

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?

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

thanks Wavy-chick, I'll have a look at Strava too. Hopefully its as easy as you say!

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

Always here to help!

[Jenny1974 Graduate]

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

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Jenny1974]

Then you’ll like Coach Bennett on Nike Run Club. He’s a bit cheesy but he means well 😂

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to Frizzbomb67]

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 ❤️

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Jenny1974]

Great! Hope it goes well. There are so many runs to choose from so you can mix things up a bit. There are other coaches too and some famous runners, although mostly American. I’ve run with Mo and Paula Radcliffe 😁 virtually obviously 😂Let us know how you get on,.

[Rowers Graduate]

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.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Rowers]

Thanks Rowers, sounds interesting. Is it automatically in every Samsung phone?

[Rowers Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

All the ones I've had, including current one, yes.

[Wawacito Graduate]

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.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Wawacito]

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?

[Wawacito Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

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.

Strava overview

[Bruuuce Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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?