Big Runner » c25k

Couch to 5k App for iPhone – Review

Mark — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:23:54 +0000

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.

But I have awesome taste in music. ↩
http://c25kapp.com/ ↩

C25K – W1/D1 – A quickie

Mark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:41:47 +0000

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

Mark — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:09:39 +0000

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

Mark — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:49:33 +0000

Right, Week 3 Day 2 and the 3-minute run was easier this morning. I managed the full first 3 min block with only a 2-3 second walking break about 10 seconds from the end of it (literally; I stopped running, walked a few steps, then started again and the end-of-time buzzer went off). The second 3-minute break was not so good, but better than Tuesday’s by far. I’m getting there slowly! 6 am pre-breakfast runs sure do take it out of ya though.

Couch to 5k – W3D1

Mark — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:36:20 +0000

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

Mark — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:12:25 +0000

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.

Week 1 / Day 1/Day 2

I’m not a ‘beginner’ per se – I’ve done four 10ks (including the two Bupa London ones), but my running hasn’t improved since the day I started (18 months ago!) so thought it best to take things seriously for 2010

So! I’ve started from scratch, and following a plan this time instead of just throwing myself out the door and hoping for the best. So I’m on the first week of Couch to 5K, and did the second run this morning. It was cold, windy, and knackering. But, in 6 weeks or so it’s meant to have me running for 20mins non-stop, and I’ve never done that

So here goes!

W1D3

3rd run of the program and end of week 1. It was easier today than Thursday, thanks mainly to it not being windy at all! I still found that a couple times I couldn’t last the full 60-seconds of running (usually stopping at the 50-second mark).

I run with an app on my iPhone that’s specifically for Couch to 5k, and beeps at me when to run and when to stop (cos I usually can’t think straight enough when I’m running to time myself).

Looking forward to next week to see how I improve!

W2/D1

Phew. Back from this morning’s run (out at 6.45am, how dedicated [mad] am I?!). Quite good this morning (day 1 of week 2), although the 4th 90-second running stint and all that followed were rather difficult.

My iPhone which I run the Couch-to-5K app on gets put on mute by accident sometimes when in my bumbag, so one of my walking sessions went on longer than expected; I reversed a bit but only got a 45-sec running stint on that bit. Nevermind, still a good workout.

I’m sure Thursday will be better

W2D2

Second run for week 2 this morning. More of a lurch than a run, if I’m honest, but I did manage to do all the running bits without stopping! Hopefully this means my fitness is increasing at least a little bit. I have to admit though, that my body AND mind were not very willing this morning, and I almost skipped it – but I forced myself out the door; why skip a run this early into a training plan when my only excuse is “I’m tired”?

W2D3

Week 2 / Day 3 this morning @ 7am. It started well, but the last couple of running breaks were tough! I had to stop midway through the last one. How I’m going to manage 3 mins of continual running next week I don’t know, but I’m sure the plan will work out .

Afterwards, came home and went back to bed.