App attempts #1 & #2

I didn't need an iPhone app, or an iPhone for that matter, to inspire my first real run. I didn't need one to complete my first 5K (or three) either. But I am now a proud iPhone junkie, and the other day I felt compelled to combine my iPhone love with my running love and buy an app called Couch to 5K by Felt Tip. 

New friends

The concept is a 9-week training program of 20 to 40 minute workouts three times a week that will supposedly enable one to run 3.1 miles without stopping or walking. Sounded perfect for me. 

On Monday I giddily downloaded the app and then drove to the state park to try it out, breathing in the warm -- but not too warm -- air as a sweltering afternoon turned into a comfortable dusk.

You can start anywhere you want in the week 1-9 sessions, which gradually work you up to a full run, so I placed myself at the beginning of week three, starting with a 5 minute warm up then moving on to 90 seconds of walking and 90 of running, then 3 minutes of each. It ended with a 5 minute cool down.

The whole time, I was psyched to find out how far I'd traveled and at what pace, because when you are training for a 5K, these details are a powerful motivator to have at your disposal.

But did the app track my speed, distance or pace? Did it monitor my heart rate or calories burned? Nope! Apparently, these functions are just too much for Couch to 5K and you need another app to do them. So, I quickly downloaded RunKeeper for just this purpose, but alas, you can't operate both apps at the same time.

Now you can call me cheap, but what I got for the $2.99 I shelled out for Couch to 5K was hardly worth it. The extent of its functions was basically to give me a choice of a male or female voice (or a little beep, how novel!) telling me when to walk or run alternately for 28 minutes. Verrry disappointing.

RunKeeper was free (although there is a more sophisticated version you can purchase), so when I tried it later and it didn't work I was a.) not surprised and b.) not too disappointed.

I will continue to search for a better app and see how it works. I also have an exciting new accessory arriving in the mail any day now that should make for some fun training. Stay tuned ...

Note: This post was written Tuesday, June 22, but there was a delay in posting it until Wednesday night.