2012: Run For It - C25K W1R1

Well well well.

I've just come out of the end of my very first run on the C25K program.

I was kinda dreading it, not so much that I would find it hard in its own right, but moreso that I would find it hard on the back of teaching two RPM classes for the day.

I got up at 4:45am to teach my 6am class (it's a 30min drive to that gym), and was pretty smashed from just that class on its own. I always say to myself "Hooooooooow on earth am I going to get through ANOTHER class tonight?!" Then at 5:30pm, I drive 30mins away from where I work to another gym and teach there.

From even one class, my legs are wobbly, and I have a temporary State Of Uselessness as I am absolutely spent. Today was no different, and I picked a particularly challenging final track of the class to make things even more ridiculous for myself.

So, I published a status on Facebook from my phone.

*Immediately* someone replied, and that was enough to get my A into G. Haters be damned, I love the internet.

But I'm a blogger, you already knew that.

In the smartphone era, the common catchphrase for all things is "There's an App for that." And of course, there's an App for the Couch to 5K program. In fact, there are plethora of apps around.

The one I am using is this one; while it is not free, from what I researched, it looked really good. I downloaded a few other free ones, but once I trialled this one I thought, "I don't think it really can get much better than that for me."

Get Running is the only Couch to 5K App that: Coaches like a human – with hundreds of studio-recorded progress and encouragement prompts. Supports and encourages you – talk with fellow running rookies on the Get Running forum. Lets you share (NEW!) – share Get Running with up to three other runners: you all get your own log and settings! Helps you plan – rest days help you recover, and Get Running knows the best day for your next run. Displays your next move – the unique Run Clock, customised for each workout, gives complete visibility and understanding. In addition, Get Running: Publishes your success – send updates to Twitter or Facebook, and have your friends remind you when the next run is due! Works with or without music – To adjust your music during a run, double press the Home button. Fits your schedule – just three workouts a week of 20 to 30 minutes. Logs your achievements – with an illuminating visual record of your progress. Thousands of people have changed their lives with Get Running and you will too! Whether you’re running for your health, training for a 5K, or building to conquer a marathon — Get Running!

I was running it off my iPod touch, so while I normally would thrive off the publishing features to Facebook, I didn't do that today. The reason is simple. The armband I have fits my iPod Touch perfectly, but not my iPhone. I can't be bothered buying another armband, so hey, I have an iPod Touch, so I might as well use it.

I have to say I was really impressed with the app. I developed a music playlist, started it, and then started the app over the top. It dimmed the music whenever it had an instruction for me. It gave me loads of timing cues, and even had some motivation incorporated in. Plus, the motivation that was in there was only subtle, it wasn't overbearing or too much to handle for someone who didn't require it.

But the most important thing... how did I feel?

First thing, my ankle felt fine!

Second thing... my new running shoes are pretty!

BUT. I need to tie them up a bit tighter next time. I felt my feet sliding around in them a little bit... although... that could be because they were still sweaty from RPM, hehe.

Third difference, and this was massive. I found while my heartrate still lifted like it used to, my *breathing* was so much different to when I used to run. I felt like I was in control, and like I could actually look around and pay attention to what was going on around me while I was running. In the past I was like "OMG I RUN I RUN I RUN I RUN *INHALE* I RUN I RUN I RUN I RUN *INHALE* I RUN I RUN I RUN" so I wasn't really getting to take in anything that was going on around me because I was so consumed by the act of running. I guess kind of like when you're focusing so much on learning how to drive a car that you forget to appreciate the journey of the drive itself. I was just way more relaxed and more calm inside my own head.

What was interesting was that the 1 minute runs felt way too short, and the 1 minute 30 second walks in between felt far too long. I guess that's a good sign, but I need to be careful not to do too much too quickly. That's what's been my downfall in the past.

Oh, and because blogdom seems to like these sorts of things, my playlist for today.

Good times.

It would actually be interesting to see how I would handle the run if I did it without being prefatigued, but that's not particularly practical at the moment - I'm always going to be fatigued in some way or another (and my classes come first, always).

Looking forward to Run 2, though I have a few classes to get through first!