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5k Runner App Day 1

Apple_Robert

Apple_Robert

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Original poster
Sep 21, 2012
36,185
53,847
In a van down by the river
In looking around the internet and app store last night for running assisted apps, I came across the "5K Runner" app. It has excellent reviews so I paid the $1.99.

Week 1 Day 1 was today at 8:00 am. 5 min. Warm up ( I did 10 min. regular walking since it was early and first real activity of day for me) followed by 1 min. running / 1.5 walking x 6, followed by 5 minute cool down. This first workout was hard. It about kicked my butt at the end.I don't know if I ran a little too fast or what. I have short legs as I am under tall, so running 5mph isn't gonna really happen. I had newbie written all over me. :D The program is supposed to be for couch to 5k. Maybe the couch people made for the app were old runners / ex athletes? I am going to keep at it. It is going to take some time I know.

My brother just got done running a 100 mile marathon in 37 hrs. I feel so unworthy. :-

Anyone else try this app? If so, how did it work for you?
 
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Keep going! You need about a month before it stops sucking entirely. Run slower than you think you need to. Concentrate on your breathing. You'll get there if you simply keep dragging your butt outside/to the treadmill to do it. It's all about perseverence.

Haven't used the app, so I can't comment on that. I just use the Nike+ app when I'm not wearing my Nike+ watch.
 
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tobefirst said:
Keep going! You need about a month before it stops sucking entirely. Run slower than you think you need to. Concentrate on your breathing. You'll get there if you simply keep dragging your butt outside/to the treadmill to do it. It's all about perseverence.

Haven't used the app, so I can't comment on that. I just use the Nike+ app when I'm not wearing my Nike+ watch.
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Thanks for the reply.

I went to the local park and ran on the 1/4 mile asphalt track. I didn't think that getting to run 5 and 6 of the workout would be so hard. I made it and am happy for that.

I did read online that I need to concentrate on breathing from my stomach, instead of my chest. I have been trying to be conscience of that.

It has been many years since I exercised.

I will keep going. :)

Edited to add: I would like to get a fitness band or watch to help monitor heart rate and the like while running. I plan to bike at the park or use the exercise bike at home, when I am not running, which is only supposed to be 3 days a week to start.
 
Maybe this 5K log will help inspire someone else to start exercising, and share results here in a friendly atmosphere.

Day 2 8:00 A.M.
10 minute warm up walk / 1 min run / 1.5 min walk x 8 / 5 minute cool down.

Slowed my pace down from yesterday, as I think I was going too fast being a beginner. Much better today.
 
Good work!

Keep going and stick with the plan all the way. You will be amazed at the results.

A similar plan changed my life a few years ago!
 
RossMak said:
Good work!

Keep going and stick with the plan all the way. You will be amazed at the results.

A similar plan changed my life a few years ago!
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Thanks, RossMak

Got through the first three days. Today was same schedule as yesterday so, it wasn't bad at all. Going to give it my best. Looking forward to jogging for 30 mins straight part of the schedule. That will be a good short term goal.
 
Great short term goal to have, I remember the first night I ran 30 minutes solid. I am now 2 years later about to run the 2 highest mountains in the UK.

I know how difficult it can be, I know we are basic strangers but if you ever need any motivation just give me a PM
 
RossMak said:
Great short term goal to have, I remember the first night I ran 30 minutes solid. I am now 2 years later about to run the 2 highest mountains in the UK.

I know how difficult it can be, I know we are basic strangers but if you ever need any motivation just give me a PM
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Thanks for the offer, RossMak. I will keep that in mind as I get farther into the training.

I have started biking on my off (running days). Got 6 miles in this morning in about 35 mins. Didn't push hard. Plan on walking a couple of miles tomorrow morning, and then more biking on Saturday, followed by rest on Sunday, before starting week 2 run interval.
 
furbzv1 said:
is this the app that you are referring to? https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5k-runner-0-to-5k-run-training/id439852091?mt=8

I am on the lookout for an app to help me get back to jogging/running.

its between that one and https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/couch-to-5k-running-app-training/id448474423?mt=8
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The first one you linked to is the one I am using. It has a lot of good features. I also bought the companion sit up app, that integrates with the 5K app. Once I get to week 3 in the running app, sit ups will be added to the workout.

Edited to add: I also bought the other one you linked to. I decided the 5k Runners app was better. I also didn't want to have an issue with the voice prompting cutting out or not working at all in the other app, as many have had trouble with it.

I start week 2 of the running app this Monday. Today was an off day, so I walked 3 miles this morning.

I also made an Excel spreadsheet, so that I can keep track of everything such as time started, weather, bp check once daily, calories consumed and burned, what exercises were done and for how long, including warm up and cool down times, whether or not the workout was hard, and any notes about the workout or day in general etc.
 
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Started week 5 today with a 5 min. run / 3 min. walk 6 min. run / 3 min. walk / 5 min. run. I have been using the Polar Beat app (to log GPS and other running data) with my Polar HR7 strap along with the 5K Runner app, and it has been going well. I like that my workouts get automatically uploaded to my personal fitness diary on Polar's site.

I have been running Monday - Wednesday and then doing either some biking, walking, or exercise bike the other days, with 1 - 2 days off during the week depending on how I feel.

One thing I have found since incorporating the H7 HRM is that it isn't hard to get your heart rate higher (zone wise) than you realize, if you aren't paying attention. Being new, I am trying to stay cognizant not to go too fast and do more harm than good.

As to the 5K Runner app (paid version), I highly recommend it to other beginners like myself. The audio prompts are loud and easy to understand. The app also works well while you are listening to music.

Even though I have only been using the 5K Runner app (and subsequent exercising) for 5 weeks, I can already tell a difference in my fitness level.
 
Today I finished the (8 week) 5K Runner app program. I didn't have to repeat any app days. I started out at running for 1 min / walk 1 min and finished the app with a 39 min run this morning, which was 4 mins longer than the app called for.

1st mile 13:38, 2nd mile 12:44, 3rd mile 11:51 total of 3:07 miles.

Granted, 39 mins is not as fast as I was hoping for. Just the same, I am proud of my progress thus far. And I think that my mile time getting lower throughout the run is a very good accomplishment.

I still have a little ways to go to where I want to be for a 5K race, but I will get there. And then it is on to 10K +

So, for those of you who have been thinking about getting more fit by starting a running program, I highly recommend the 5K Runner app. You can do it.
 
tobefirst said:
Wonderful job, @BasicGreatGuy! Glad to hear the app helped you. By now, you've created a habit. Now you just need to keep doing what you're doing and you'll get faster and run longer. Way to go!
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Thank you, Tobe.

I wish I had started two years ago when my brother did. He is running another 50 mile race this Saturday. Hopefully, I can join him for a race down the line.
 
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