Couch to 5k App for iPhone – Review

The last few days, my wife and I have been doing Week 1 of Couch to 5k as a way of getting her into running. We’ve enjoyed it, and it’s been a nice break for me with shorter runs, and I anticipate these turning into ‘inbetween’ runs while training for the 10k.

There are two popular C25K apps for the iPhone, and the one I use is that published by Felt Tip Inc. Felt Tip also do a Couch to 10K app, which I’ve also been using lately.

Generally, I’m happy with it; it’s been updated recently to allow one to control music playback within the app; previously, you had to start music via the iPod app on the iPhone, and then launch the app; decide to change the playlist or album, and you would need to quit the app and go back into the iPod. A pain in the bum.

This latest update removes that requirement, but the couple of times I’ve tried it, it’s been temperamental. Perhaps it doesn’t like my taste in music :) ¹

The voices and alerts within the app are nice and clear, and one can hear them clearly above the music; you can also change the voice and volume of same, which is nice. Personally, I’ve just left it on the default.

It doesn’t update your Twitter or Facebook automatically, which I believe the other app (called C25kapp²) does, but this shouldn’t be a make-or-break issue IMO, since I personally update my Twitter after a run so I can put my little touch of genius on my tweets rather than a templated message, but it’s quite clear that a number of people use the automated posting (see those tweets referencing @c25kapp, so best of luck to them.

If you have an iPhone or iPhone Touch, and feel that having something guide you through these specific programs would be helpful, then you can’t go too wrong with either of these apps.

Adidas miCoach

An interesting evening tonight.

A week or so ago, I was invited to attend an event to introduce the Adidas miCoach; it was the first I’d heard of it, so obviously did some sniffing around the miCoach site, and watching some videos on the YouTubes, and so I was definitely interested in checking it out tonight.

Things didn’t go swimmingly, unfortunately; most of the devices weren’t working perfectly, the shoes I was given to try were a half-size too small, and I was asked to go for a run. However, it should be pointed out:

• Technology never works when it should, especially when there’s press in the room(*)
• I was given size 10 shoes because I asked for size 10 shoes; when actually, I’m a 10 and a half. I blame this on my not having bought any shoes for over a year, and also being a ditzy-headed dickhead.
• Considering I run a running blog, I shouldn’t be surprised that one would be expected to look forward to a chance to run. I really should get used to this.

The device itself is quite snazzy looking, and once I read the manual and actually follow instructions, instead of trying to tie my shoes up which is what I had my mind on tonight, I am sure I’ll be able to figure it out quite quickly.

I don’t really want to sound like I’m easily bought – oh, but I am – but I plan to use this ickle device as my training buddy leading up to the 10k in May. I’ll keep you all posted as time, and the next 10 weeks, goes on.

(* I’m not, of course, counting myself amongst the ‘press’, but that I believe there was a guy from the Sun there – that’s allegedly a newspaper – and some running magazines. They were all skinny and healthy looking and I hated them)

C210K – W2, D1

Couch to 10K – Week 2, Day 1

Another very-early-morning workout this morning; awake at 4.45am, dragging myself out of bed at 5.05, and out the door at 5.20. I was seriously tempted to pass on this morning’s run, promising myself I’d do it tomorrow, but instead I realised that would mean my weekend run would be on a Sunday which has become my do nothing but sit around like a fat slob day. Important!

Anyway, today’s workout was scheduled to be 55 minutes long, with intervals of 1 minute running and 5 minutes walking, repeated 8 times. I will come clean and admit I skipped the last running break, as I was close to home and absolutely knackered.

As I posted on Twitter:

The first couple of running break were cold and painful. After this, I loosened up a little and they were merely cold. However, after 40 minutes, I was now no longer cold, merely in pain. So, you know, swings and roundabouts.

I have a niggle in my lower left calf which I’m hoping will go away. It wasn’t constant today, but it was there much of the time. Right hamstrings were tight but soon loosened up.

All in all, it was a good workout which I was glad to see the end of!

C210K – W1, D2

So, Day 2 of Week 1 for my Couch to 10K program; this morning, I took a lesson from Tuesday and headed off earlier so I could have my run done without then having to rush to get ready for work. So, at 5.20am I was out the door and done by 6.10.

Doing this meant I was also able to complete the entire session, and boy what a difference that last 10 minutes make; the final running break – even though it was only 30 seconds long – wore me down and I could really feel the fatigue in my legs after the entire session was over.

The total distance for this morning is around 4km, but I need to map it out to make sure that’s accurate; considering Tuesday’s was just over 3km, I’m sure 4km won’t be far off.

There is one more session this week, on Saturday, then next week starts Week 2 which is 1 min running w/ 5 mins walking, repeated 9 times for a total session time of 55 minutes.

Update It was actually 4.4km this morning, after being able to map it out on Google properly. Go me!

C210K – W1, D1

As referenced in my video from this morning, I started a Couch to 10K plan this morning.

The reason for this is that, running through my head the last week or so was the knowledge that my 10K is 13 weeks away, yet the Couch to 5K plan only runs for 9 weeks. Was I to be left to my own devices for 4 weeks? What then?

So, I looked for a 10K plan and found an iPhone app for one by the same folks who make the 5K plan app I was using. This is a 13-week program (how fortuitous!), and will take me up to 3 days before my 10K; I plan to miss the last workout to allow me some additional days rest before the big day.

The Training Itself

This morning was my first day doing it, and it was easy going (again, see the video for a brief overview). I’m looking forward to the coming weeks.

The only problem was I had to cut it slightly short as I was running out of time; I was supposed to be out the door starting at 5.30, but didn’t manage to until 5.50. Come workout 2 (this Thursday), I’ll just set my alarm to go off earlier.

The early mornings and runs don’t bother me, and as it gets lighter earlier I’ll enjoy them even more, since right now I am sticking to running up and down the high street, since venturing into the park at that time isn’t ideal when it’s pitch black.

C25K – W1/D1 – A quickie

Well, at 5.30am this morning I went out to re-re-start the ‘Couch to 5K’ plan after all; I figured I couldn’t really trust myself to wing it.

I’m now officially knackered and need to get ready for work; I managed 1.57 miles, and realised that it’s a good thing I’m actually training now, because if I attempted to race without actually doing any training there would be no way I’d manage a 10K in 13 weeks without needing to walk before the 100 meter point. (Not that 10K races have 100 meter markers, you understand)

Form was good, it was very tiring, and a niggling right calf muscle didn’t bother me too much; the good stretch at the end will hopefully have smoothed it a bit.

A brief re-start

So, last week – I think it was Thursday – I did the first day of Couch to 5K. I did well; I focussed on my form, I took it easy, and I made sure my breathing was under control; I actually did much better on Day 1 than I did the last time I started C25K. Plus, I did it at 5.30am.

That was the only good part of the day; for the rest of the day, regardless of what I ate or drank, I was lethargic and headachey, and ended up in bed by 9pm.

It could have been the early start, or it could have been because I’ve done barely any exercising all year (I was even driving to work instead of walking the mile between train station and office; I’ve given up the car now, though, and have been walking again from two weeks ago).

I was planning on doing day 2 on the weekend, but ‘best laid plans’ and all that…

Focus, I needs it

I need to refocus on my plans and stop worrying about minutia I think. I kept telling myself at the start of the year to “keep things simple”, yet this isn’t what I’ve done; even worrying about what music to listen to while doing the Day 1 workout is silly; I never listen to music unless I’m doing this workout, since I use an iPhone app to blare out the running/walking breaks.

Perhaps I should just run for as long as I can, walk enough to recover, and then repeat until I’ve been doing it for 30 minutes?

What do y’all think?

Couch to 5k – W3D1 (take 2)

Restarted Week 3 this morning, and it was much easier than last week.

I only had to break a running break during the last 3 min bit, and I think that’s mainly because I was running along a main road at the point and the fumes got to me.

So, next time I’ll just stick to the park until I finish the running bits.

I’ve also been concentrating on my form, which I think is helping with my endurance – and I can see my main issue is with my lung capacity (running along main roads doesn’t help, especially when buses and vans go past).

Couch to 5k: W3D3

Ow ow ow ow.

Ok, I’ve been re-reading my ChiRunning book, and so decided to try that form today, and I’m pleased to say that I found the first 90s and 3min running bits easy(ish) going, and did them both without stopping. Then I was so so pleased with myself that my ego took over, I picked up the pace, lost all form whatsoever, and so the last two running breaks were broken by many walking breaks.

Also my right calf is now nice and tight.

I think I will redo Week 3 next week, and concentrate on the form, and ‘graduate’ from it with non-stop running breaks. Hopefully :)

Couch to 5k – W3D2