5K Training tips/Keeping a log

andforpoise
andforpoise Posts: 185
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Another question about running! I'm trying to start a 5K training plan for the race I want to enter (taking place in late May). I plan to train over the winter. Just wondering however, does anyone know of a good training log, free online or otherwise? I came across the Running World one, they offer a trial for 21 days for free and then its 13 bucks or something like that for the year.... anyone try this and like it? Any other suggestions?

Any advice is much appreciated!!!

Thanks :)

Replies

  • davidlbass
    davidlbass Posts: 159 Member
    I use Endomondo.com. They have an app for your smart phone that uses the gps to track your exercise.
  • bregalad5
    bregalad5 Posts: 3,965 Member
    Are you looking for like an app or like an excel spreadsheet?
  • deadstarsunburn
    deadstarsunburn Posts: 1,337 Member
    I would just use excel seems practical =]

    Just curious what you plan on tracking? Is it time or distance or both? I've never tracked anything with my running and am debating on starting lol
  • kiminita
    kiminita Posts: 150 Member
    teamintraining.org
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    Couch to 5k is a popular program.
    When I trained for my first 5k, I just tried to run a little bit farther everyday. I "trained" for about 6 weeks, and I ran my first 5k in 35:48, and I ran a good 80% of it.

    Good luck!
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    runnersworld.com has free programs - look under tools and then "Smart Coach." Just print up your plan, and make your notes on there. They also have a free app that you can dowload to an iPhone. I like their programs and will be using one yet again to get ready for my 3rd half marathon.

    A lot of people like Couch 2 5k too...lots of free downloads out there.
  • andforpoise
    andforpoise Posts: 185
    I would just use excel seems practical =]

    Just curious what you plan on tracking? Is it time or distance or both? I've never tracked anything with my running and am debating on starting lol

    I'm not sure what I'm tracking... I guess that's part of why I made this post! To find out what other people are using/doing? So far some of the suggestions look promising... maybe they'll help you too?

    And thanks to everyone for your suggestions thus far! Gonna check them out!
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    I use an app on my phone and, now that I have one, my Garmin GPS watch.

    The app is free and called imapmyrun. It does GPS, has an interactive website, does your mileage, logs your speed and pace and pretty much is able to track anything you could want as a new runner!

    I'm sure you can then export the info into an excel, from the imapmyrun website.
  • SmartFunGorgeous
    SmartFunGorgeous Posts: 699 Member
    I used the couch to 5k app, which I think was 1.99. I downloaded several different apps, but it has been the best as far as not crashing. I finished the program, but still use the app since you can customize it. I know it uses your phones gps, but it is also the only app that the gps worked on consistently.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Forget the apps, you need an on-line log.

    I suggest runningahead.com - great free log
  • andforpoise
    andforpoise Posts: 185
    runnersworld.com has free programs - look under tools and then "Smart Coach." Just print up your plan, and make your notes on there. They also have a free app that you can dowload to an iPhone. I like their programs and will be using one yet again to get ready for my 3rd half marathon.

    A lot of people like Couch 2 5k too...lots of free downloads out there.

    I signed up to create a plan... but I do have a question: further on in the training plan, it suggests long runs of up to 16 k... what?! Are you allowed to walk for a few minutes in between km intervals? Is that acceptable? This is all new to me :P
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member

    I signed up to create a plan... but I do have a question: further on in the training plan, it suggests long runs of up to 16 k... what?! Are you allowed to walk for a few minutes in between km intervals? Is that acceptable? This is all new to me :P

    It's just a plan, and it's your plan, so adjust it however you want. I couldn't do the speed intervals as indicated when I first started running, but I made it happen over time. If you don't want to go much/any further than the 5k distance don't. But don't sell yourself short either. I was stuck around 3 or 4 miles for a LONG time. When I started going 5+ miles, that's when I finally "got" the whole running thing.

    I also use the runkeeper app to track my running. Logs everything for you in a diary and you can access it on your phone or on their website.
  • mfp_1
    mfp_1 Posts: 516 Member
    Do phone do you have?
  • mfp_1
    mfp_1 Posts: 516 Member
    Ooops. I meant:
    What phone do you have?
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    I use excel. In the past I have used www.dailymile.com

    I keep track of time and distance.

    And yes, Couch-to-5K is a good prgoram. It's only nine weeks. You would be ready by Feburary.
  • andforpoise
    andforpoise Posts: 185
    I have a blackberry pearl but no data plan at the moment because it costs too much while I'm in school, and the wifi connection on it is finicky :P So I kind of rely on use of my laptop....
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