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.

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.

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

Couch to 5k – W3D1

So! Week 3 Day 1, and that first 3-minute running spell almost killed me. It was more than I was expecting; I was a bit big-headed about it going in, thinking it won’t be that difficult, but it humbled me I’ll admit. I had to take a couple of 10-second walking breaks in the middle of both 3-minute spells this morning, but this mirrors the events of the past two weeks’ Day 1s, so hoping that Thursday and Saturday will be somewhat more successful!

Also did a longer (slightly) route today, so the distance is increasing as well.

Starting From Scratch

I’ve started running again, after too long off. I’m currently doing the Couch to 5k plan, and have been posting updates on Runners World’s forum the last two weeks. Here are the posts to get us up to speed; I will update on here regularly now as well.

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