Silly question from a beginner - how do you know how far you have run?

[springsteen]

[wilmacgh Graduate]

If you have a start phone there are apps like Endomondo or mapmyrun which use the GPS to track ypu

Or

use Google maps and pick the maplabs option to get the measuring tool. It usually is somewhere on the left of the screen

Or

sign up for a Parkrun which is 5k

Or

Don't worry about it. The programme is really about getting to 30 mins and not everyone will manage to cover 5k in that time.

Silly answers maybe!

[springsteen]

Very helpful - what is a Parkrun please?

[mrqwest Graduate in reply to springsteen]

Hey, a Parkrun is a fun (timed) 5k run at local parks held all over the UK (and some further afield too) every Saturday.

Check out parkrun.org.uk for more details. They're free to enter and, from what I've heard, a good social meet too! Find your local parkrun, go and spectate or even join in

[TJFlute]

Just run for the allotted time.

You don't need to now distance until week 9+ and even then it's only out of interest.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I would concentrate on working your way through the weekly podcasts. The main aim at this time is to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. If you need to map out routes there are many good programmes to be had which allow you to draw your route using Google maps. Google 'Route planner Apps' and pick one to try. I use GoodRunGuide but I'm not saying its the best cos I don't know.

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

You can use MapMy Run site to map where you run and it gives you the distance and elevation. The others are right that distance doesn't matter at the beginning, but if you're like me, you're curious to see how far you've gone and to see how fast you might be aiming for. I'm on week 9 and nowhere near 5k in 30 minutes, but I've seen how I've picked up speed during the 9 weeks.

By the way - I have a 10 minute walk home after each run and after the 5 minute warm down I always treat myself to 'Born to run'! Enjoy the programme.

[SarahR Graduate]

if you have a Blackberry you can download a free app called runtastic which gives you accurate statistics: distance, elevation and speed and allows you to save each run so you can see when you are getting faster...

[katrunkles Graduate in reply to SarahR]

Fantastic - downloading it right now! Thanks so much to you all for your answers; roll on Saturday ...