Now I have supplied myself with some nice comfy shoes (thanks everyone who replied to my request on that topic!) I am running out of excuses to not get up off my sofa. To help me a bit further on my way, I thought it might be helpful to have some sort of structure to my activity, and as I'm mostly glued to my phone, an app was the logical next thought. So can anyone recommend something along the lines of a "couch to 5K" app, though "couch to refrigerator" might be more realistic! Thanks !!
The NHS one.
You can even choose a voice/person who's not a full on athlete or narcissist....Sanjeev Kohli for me.
Another vote for the NHS app. Denise Lewis was my 'trainer'. Simple programme that was entirely successful. Fair enough, I don't run much these days but when I feel the urge I can quite happily schlep through 5k. Something I could not before doing the training. Good luck!
NHS here too.
Just Run app.
Really simple. Doesn't use GPS to record where you've been. Voice instructions are no more than you need (i.e. no "you're doing great!" bollox). It just does what you need it to do.
You will also need a stretching app or you'll do yourself a mischief.
If you're getting a Garmin watch to track your runs then the 5k training plan on Garmin Connect is good.
If you're getting a Garmin watch to track your runs then the 5k training plan on Garmin Connect is good.
Good point. Can I just stick my Garmin bike head unit in my pocket?
Great aim OP.
Definitely not the NHS one. Nice and configurable with irritating celebrity voices. Too ambitious in its program.
I tried it a couple of years ago with a genuine interest in shifting from couch to a regular 5k. Sure, I can walk and ride a bike a fair distance and run for a bus but run a distance? Not so much.
Around about day 4 was when the intervals from the app got a bit much and I ended up with a sudden calf cramp and a week of limping
I described this to a couple of friends who run. One does 5-10k regularly, the other used to do triathlons, run the 5 miles to and from work every day, and now runs for a few hours each week. They were aware of the app and said ‘too aggressive’.
I forget their counter-proposals as I didn’t take them up on account of still feeling sore. I don’t have any app suggestions for couch to 5k but many years ago when I was in Switzerland I did use ‘Zombies! Run!’ Which made for some fun gameified runs.
I’ve not since tried any distance running. I’ll keep an eye on the thread and see what other suggestions turn up as I’d like to give it another go.
i am using the Runna app to train for my first marathon, which i appreciate is the other end of the scale, but i am sure they do a 5k option on there. Its really good and builds a plan based on your current efforts. You can add holiday, swap workouts around, add goals etc. And if you are like me, I find it easier for something to 'force' me into a run or a certain pace, rather than just willpower. I run every monday, wednesday and friday with the app, which i might struggle with if it was down to myself to get out!
But whatever you chose, good on you! you never regret a run!
You don't need an app to take you up to 5k. Just start small (like 1500m small) and work your way up. As mentioned above, stretching is good (I don't run much anymore but should stretch more before/after biking and football) and if you've not run at all in ages then it'll hurt the following morning. Good to remember too that getting to 5k isn't a race so if you're comfortable plodding along at just over walking pace, thats fine.
Also (in my opinion) running in circles is boring as hell. Plot a 1500m loop and do that - then go up to 2000, 3000 etc but don't just do laps of the same loop - plot something else (plotaroute.com is dead good). Keeps things a bit more interesting rather than passing the same person walking their dog multiple times.
Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement!
i am using the Runna app to train for my first marathon
I've heard this recommended elsewhere (a photography podcast, to be precise!!) but I think its £££, no ?
Garmin Connect is good
I really like my Garmin, works well for running and bikes.
I did find the Garmin coaching plan went off too hard for me, and i got to just shy of 3k and cooked my knees. Had to take 3 months off.
Now i just go for a jog twice a week. Built up to 10k now 🙂
@DrJ - it is a subscription service. About £15 a month or £99 for the year. Not something i would usually do, but as i have a fairly big challenge ahead, I was happy to pay for it.
They do a week free, plus there are a few 2 week free codes floating about. So you can try before you buy.
Also to the OP, is there a parkrun anywhere near you, plenty of support there. Start with a walk/run/walk.
Runna is free for a 5k programme. Currently using it, I've setup a gentle 8 week programme, as I've never run and my knees are sh*t.
Runna is free for a 5k programme.
Hmm - just tried to set up a 5k programme and it's wanting money 🙁
That cartoon is me, btw 🙂
Can I just stick my Garmin bike head unit in my pocket?
yes, it'll record your run for you, but it won't do things like pace, stride length, cadence, that sort of thing. They sometimes make speed/distance errors because of body movements - especially if its in your pocket and it can flap about.
Runna - oh ok. To be fair I found a referral code. Then once in you can do a "beginner" programme for free. As I've been using it for about 2 months and not paid. I think if I go to a premium plan then the 2 weeks free starts and then I would get charged. I'll message you my referral code and you can see if they works.