Running apps

UltraVires · Sunday at 8:49 AM

Hi all,

I feel like I could do with a bit of a health reset so I am going to start running again this week after a long break.

Does anyone have experience with Couch to 5K, Garmin Coach or Runna apps?

I have a garmin watch so could use that for free but some people seem to rave over the Runna app even though it’s £20 a month which seems a lot to me.

Can anyone offer views on one or all three? I am pretty much a beginner with fitness to only run for fairly short distances at this stage I would say.

davids · Sunday at 9:06 AM

UltraVires said:
Hi all,

I feel like I could do with a bit of a health reset so I am going to start running again this week after a long break.

Does anyone have experience with Couch to 5K, Garmin Coach or Runna apps?

I have a garmin watch so could use that for free but some people seem to rave over the Runna app even though it’s £20 a month which seems a lot to me.

Can anyone offer views on one or all three? I am pretty much a beginner with fitness to only run for fairly short distances at this stage I would say.

Obviously you shouldn't give personal information. But things like age,weight any health issues should be considered. Maybe get your BP taken and start with some low impact brisk walking over increasing distance then walk run before you go into a full running regime.

tommye · Sunday at 9:10 AM

@COYBL25

He's one of those runny weirdos and can probably help here. Also sends nudes so worth a DM

COYBL25 · Sunday at 9:15 AM

UltraVires said:
Hi all,

I feel like I could do with a bit of a health reset so I am going to start running again this week after a long break.

Does anyone have experience with Couch to 5K, Garmin Coach or Runna apps?

I have a garmin watch so could use that for free but some people seem to rave over the Runna app even though it’s £20 a month which seems a lot to me.

Can anyone offer views on one or all three? I am pretty much a beginner with fitness to only run for fairly short distances at this stage I would say.

From everyone I know who`s started running from your position of fitness, they all swear by the couch to 5K mate.

It seems to be the one that`s the most realistic with it`s training plans for people who are almost starting from scratch.

Nymzee · Sunday at 9:15 AM

Anyone I know who runs uses Strava

Daveysgingerlovechild · Sunday at 9:24 AM

UltraVires said:
Hi all,

I feel like I could do with a bit of a health reset so I am going to start running again this week after a long break.

Does anyone have experience with Couch to 5K, Garmin Coach or Runna apps?

I have a garmin watch so could use that for free but some people seem to rave over the Runna app even though it’s £20 a month which seems a lot to me.

Can anyone offer views on one or all three? I am pretty much a beginner with fitness to only run for fairly short distances at this stage I would say.

I've got a garmin watch and just use their app. I don't use any coaching functions. I think it's one of those where you need to step back and ask "what does this thing do?"

It doesn't make you run. It's a recording and prompting tool.

You could use the warch in conjunction with one of the plans on here:

New to running? Our beginner's guide will set you up for success

If you're keen to get running but lack the knowledge, confidence or kit to do so, fret not – our simple and supportive training tips will help you to make those first steps

www.runnersworld.com

thirdmantackle · Sunday at 9:49 AM

Few things on this.
Get a watch with heart rate or a heart rate monitor on a band.
Try not to run with your phone. Holding it in your hand affects your gait.
Get a mini mp3 player for music
Are you doing it to lose weight or just get fitter?

Eggs · Sunday at 9:50 AM

…..I suggest you don’t look at your app whilst running.

UltraVires · Sunday at 10:47 AM

COYBL25 said:
From everyone I know who`s started running from your position of fitness, they all swear by the couch to 5K mate.

It seems to be the one that`s the most realistic with it`s training plans for people who are almost starting from scratch.

Yeah, I might do that because its achieveable from a relatively low starting point and then look at the more advanced subscriptions afterwards. No point spending £20 a month if I am just going to do a 30 minute run a few times a week which is probably more than I need and more than most.

UltraVires · Sunday at 10:49 AM

Daveysgingerlovechild said:
I've got a garmin watch and just use their app. I don't use any coaching functions. I think it's one of those where you need to step back and ask "what does this thing do?"

It doesn't make you run. It's a recording and prompting tool.

You could use the warch in conjunction with one of the plans on here:

New to running? Our beginner's guide will set you up for success

If you're keen to get running but lack the knowledge, confidence or kit to do so, fret not – our simple and supportive training tips will help you to make those first steps

www.runnersworld.com

Their coaching app I was looking at on my phone before and if you enter in your current ability, it says they will tailor a plan to get you to run a 5k/10k at whatever goal you might have in mind.

That seems to be the same as the Runna app without paying a monthly subscription of £20 which is what Runna seems to be.

Daveysgingerlovechild · Sunday at 10:55 AM

UltraVires said:
Their coaching app I was looking at on my phone before and if you enter in your current ability, it says they will tailor a plan to get you to run a 5k/10k at whatever goal you might have in mind.

That seems to be the same as the Runna app without paying a monthly subscription of £20 which is what Runna seems to be.

Yeah, if it helps you, it helps. I have periods of running and not running. Whenever I pick it up I start off on a low bar, very gentle pace. Next run up the distance by 10%. When comfortable doing 2 miles I'll start throwing in sprints or fartleks every now and then. On the longer runs, continue upping by 10% until you hit goals.

I guess what I'm saying is, do we need digital stuff to make and keep plans or approaches? Not really. I'd defo say away from paying £20 a month. £240 a year.

You pay for your running shoes yearly by not subscribing to that. The essential stuff, if you're into it.

Daveysgingerlovechild · Sunday at 11:02 AM

Oh, for he uninitiated Fartleks: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/a36362823/fartlek-run/

They're also the sort of thing that perhaps run in opposition to tightly controlled and structured sessions. But a good workout.

Speaking of which, a fartlek sessions is what I about to do!

tommye · Sunday at 11:05 AM

Daveysgingerlovechild said:
When comfortable doing 2 miles I'll start throwing in sprints or fartleks

COYBL25 · Sunday at 11:10 AM

UltraVires said:
Yeah, I might do that because its achieveable from a relatively low starting point and then look at the more advanced subscriptions afterwards. No point spending £20 a month if I am just going to do a 30 minute run a few times a week which is probably more than I need and more than most.

There`s also a lot of stuff on Youtube, that people who have started from scratch have put on to help others.

The only problem I find with Youtube is damn ads !

Pootsy · Sunday at 11:10 AM

as well as apps, try to find some warmup stretches to do before any run. It seems a waste of time to do these but trust me they are well worth it in the long run. Pardon the pun.

Also cool down stretches. They stop the aching muscles being so achy.