WHAT I'M TRAINING FOR NOW | Can an app replace a coach?

[@FloraBeverley]

Thanks for watching everyone! If you want to sign up to Runna, don't forget to use the code FLORA to get 2 weeks completely free 🤗 Really excited to share the next few weeks of training with you all, then maybe we can do something all together?

[@UTubeSL]

Hi Flora, good luck with the training! Doing something together is a great idea - I'm usually running alone, so a change would be nice!

[@heeby123]

Great vlog Flora! I was obsessed with breaking the 20 min 5k and finally did it about a month ago. I found once you have a reasonable aerobic base, running becomes much more mental than physical. What helped more than anything for me was achieving things in the interval sessions and battling the ‘just stop’ voices. Doing that gave me the *confidence* to achieve my goal. Good luck with the 10k. I’m training for a half marathon next but set back a few weeks with injury 😢

[@FloraBeverley]

Ahhh amazing well done you! And yes definitely a mental game, which intervals really help with! Good luck with the half and recovery

[@tamsinthompson832]

I'd been curious about this app so your review was perfect timing - thank you so much for your review. It was great to see the app in action and I always trust your reviews based on your values!

[@tamsinthompson832]

I do have one question - do you know if it's possible to enter a training plan but part way through? I'm wanting to give it a whirl for Tokyo Marathon in March but then I only have 2 months between the marathon and Ultra X Scotland 125 so I was hoping to jump onto the last 8 weeks of the ultra plan after finishing the marathon plan!

[@FloraBeverley]

@@tamsinthompson832 no worries at all! Oooh good question, this is something I've suggested to them (to allow for A and B races). Right now depending on which is your A race (assuming tokyo), I think train for that, then have a week off, then a week of recovery runs, then get back to it on an altered 125k plan. Worst thing you could do would be to not take time off after Tokyo if you race it hard! I did this sort of thing for the 5 weeks between Croatia and RTTT and it worked well :)

[@tamsinthompson832]

@@FloraBeverley Thank you so much!

[@karlbratby4349]

I will be trying the Runna App, as soon as recover from femoral neuropathy... 3 weeks with NO running is testing my sanity, great content

[@FloraBeverley]

Ahhh i'm sorry to hear that! Hope you're back to it soon :)

[@TarasSkyJourney]

I actually used one of the Half Marathon coaching programs in Garmin Connect to get me to my HM PB last year. That Runna app seems like it would be something I'd look into if I decide to leave the current running group and coach I finally signed up with here. Technology can work great. And with all the KZbin and podcasting runners out there, you can often find answers to any question the app doesn't answer for you. Totally replacing a real coach? Probably not. But a VERY good alternative for those who can't afford a coach. Good luck with the training! :)

[@FloraBeverley]

This is a very fair assessment I think! And yes so great to have physical connections to runners too, e.g. as part of a running group or even online communtiy :)

[@adamdrake39]

Love the content Flora. Really appreciate you tubers such as yourself who put in a lot of effort to produce this content. Also full respect for your effort in running despite such a busy life going on. Good luck with the 10k. 🙏😊

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you so much, that's super kind of you to say!

[@nieder-olm]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@sarahwoods3]

I started using runna about a month ago to improve my 5k time after self coaching for a few years. Found my fitness has improved pretty quickly so far and the pace recommendations are pretty accurate. Definitely a good guide if you don't have a coach. Interesting to try out some new/different sessions. Find it also holds me accountable do stick to my plan! I have used a few coaching apps in the past and so far found this one the best in terms of personalisation of work outs!

[@FloraBeverley]

Oh thats awesome, happy to hear it! Yes it's brill, especially in terms of recommending new workouts so yiu improve faster :) glad you're enjoying it!

[@Kelly_Ben]

What a great park to run in! The well behaved pups make it even better! I don't want to step on toes, but I really want people who are interested in a personal running coach to know there's another option... vert.run sounds similar to the Runna app, where it's customizable, but you also have a live coach that checks in with you twice a week. It specializes in trail and ultra runners, is coached by high level ultra runners, and there is zero requirement to be fast or fit to join. Between that and the price ($25 USD a month), it's another option for people who need training advice and accountability. Runna sounds like a great option as well, slightly cheaper and the lack of live coach looking over your training may be preferable to some people. I'm looking forward to seeing how your training progresses. Feel better soon!

[@FloraBeverley]

Haha the pups aren't always well behaved - I'm not sure if yiu remember my 5k time trial but I practically had to jump over 2 tied together that got in the way 😂 That app sounds lovely. Runna actually also has access to a coach and physio if you need the help 😊 I find it quite useful, because they're not watching your every move, but are available if you ever need them! So great to have tech available that really helps people!

[@Kelly_Ben]

@@FloraBeverley That sounds awesome! I mean, not hurdling puppies, but having a physio and trainer available!

[@manuel_877]

Good afternoon Flora and all the runners. Interesting review and good race as ever. Here is my like. I'm training for the next trail race, 15 km. A nice weekend for everyone. ☀️🏃‍♂️⛰

[@FloraBeverley]

Good luck with your race Manuel!

[@manuel_877]

@@FloraBeverley Good morning. Thanks.

[@kingtrumpet123]

sorry that you have been ill. I TOTALLY LOVED that saying of yours around the 13 minutes mark: " Bloody Hell That Was Tough" !!!!. Yes, I'm recovering from a slight virus thing myself, and today before I watched your vid, I was recalling many years ago when I was a teenager and got runover a few times by big "Yorkshire White Pigs" we used to have on our farm, they are a large British breed of pigs that we also have here in the States. So as a result of my exercise yesterday, I had said earlier today. "WOW, I feel like I just got run over by a pig". Your British saying, and my getting run over by large British pigs years ago -- I think it's the same feeling - LOL.

[@FloraBeverley]

😂 that's such an interesting saying! 😅

[@tomdosdos7179]

Thank you for this real world use of an app I’d just heard about. I was especially curious about speed work, which you very clearly demonstrated. Useful for those of us who have no access to a track and the best excuse for me to finally get a smartwatch.😂

[@FloraBeverley]

Ah perfect! Hope you love it if you end up using it 😊 don't forget to use the code FLORA for 2 weeks free too 🤗

[@tomdosdos7179]

I won’t forget the code and I will update you on my progress. Thanks again.

[@ZakKol69]

ok ok, i really wanted to get a coach,but was put off abit by the price especially being so new at running. if this app is as good as it looks ill deffo be joining! cheers!

[@FloraBeverley]

No worries at all! Yeah they're not cheap 🙈 definitely recommend this app, especially if you're new-ish to training! Lmk how you get on 🤗

[@ZakKol69]

@@FloraBeverley mega, will do! Cheers

[@sippie2000]

You can even go a step further and plan the workouts in you calendar. So for that day you just go to run and it will ask you if you want to do the planned workout. So I plan a month out and then I don’t even need to remember which one I need it’s just ready to go.

[@FloraBeverley]

That's awesome! Sounds great 🙌

[@JackBrady]

Hey Flora :), can’t wait to hear how you get on with the training plan and know you’re going to smash it 💪🤗. Hope you shake off the bug and can really enjoy the process soon. I can’t remember you using the pre-planned workout feature on your watch before, they’re great aren’t they? Would love to join in this too as I started training again about 4 weeks ago as well, and it’s always great to have a group goal. It will be interesting to see which race (5k or 10k) you prefer training for, and which you prefer racing too

[@FloraBeverley]

Hey Jack, thank you!! Yeah I've not used it before, so it's awesome to have the extra help counting with the app 😅 ooooh come check it out, I think you'll love it!

[@adamgodefroy2719]

Hi, small tip that will help you save some time, I always add the session programmed in the Garmin Calendar on the day it is supposed to be done, this way you can plan for the next few weeks, it's syncs all the sessions to your watch and when you're about to start your run, it's automatically asks you if you want to do the session programmed for the day or not. I have my full marathon training plan added in my calendar this way, it also allows me to look at the next couple of weeks and see what's in store for me. Great content as always. Cheers.

[@FloraBeverley]

Oh thats cool! My watch suggests sessions, but they're not the ones I just added 🤷🏼‍♀️ I'll take a look!

[@adamgodefroy2719]

@@FloraBeverley Yes the watch suggest sessions but those are more for beginners I guess. I recommend doing it 100%, even more if you're sticking to the exact day of the training like you said you do. But even if you don't stick to the exact day, you can either move the session to an other day on the app or find the session in the workouts on your watch as well. Hope my comments were useful.

[@steadystudying]

This would be fun to make a series of using different training apps. Before I got my Garmin watch, I was using the Nike run app and for the couple weeks I used it, I liked it, but obviously I didn't go through an entire training plan to really see the end results

[@workouteveryday]

Very inspirational video for me, thank you very much😍💖

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

My goal is sub 30/5km and 2.5 hour half marathon and not walk. I’m a slow runner and love it. I have a long recovery from my car accident but I’ll get there.

[@thewhislerjourney]

Finally subscribed after watching all your videos 😅 I'm prepping for my 1st ultra marathon 😬🏃💨

[@FloraBeverley]

Haha welcome to the channel! Good luck with your training 💪

[@lucyharrison7358]

Put this on while doing my Runna interval session on the treadmill, felt like a little coincidence! Looking forward to hearing how you find it :)

[@FloraBeverley]

Ahhh haha no way! Hope you had a good session!

[@Cultcobainalreadytaken]

This looks like a useful app, keen to hear how you find it! I’m retiring my ancient Vivoactive and am looking for a new Garmin running watch. Is this the Fenix 6s pro Flora’s using? I’m eyeing that one up at the minute as it’s half price here in NZ 👀

[@FloraBeverley]

Oooh exciting! I have the fenix 6s pro solar, but they're much the same in terms of features I think. Would recommend!

[@FilmMyRun]

Did you just say Doggers everywhere???!!! Good stuff Flora. Good luck with the 10k

[@FloraBeverley]

Doggos 😂

[@meganjones2580]

I just started running with the Runna app now. I did my first 5km on Sunday and my 5k time was slower (45 mins) than your predicted 10km time 😅😅 Hey, we all gotta start somewhere right. 🎉

[@FloraBeverley]

Ah so glad you're using Runna! Did you find it through me? Amazing though - my first 5k was super duper slow - closer to my current 10k time than my current 5k time! We all start somewhere 😊

[@emmasteen869]

Downloaded the app! Do you recommend the Garmin fenix?

[@FloraBeverley]

Amazing! Don't forget to use the code 😊 yes! I'm obsessed with mine and it's lasted really well compared with other watches.

[@Shevock]

I used an app for my first marathon recently. Run with Hal. I'll be interested to see what Runna does.

[@FloraBeverley]

Awesome! Hope it went well for you?

[@jungtao]

Just finished my A race for the year. This coming year I’m planning on giving intervals and extra slow long runs as part of my training. Thnx for the vid. Can u comment on what kinda in ear coaching the app gives u while on the run?

[@FloraBeverley]

Sounds awesome, I hope it went well! I dont use the in ear coaching as I have it on my watch so can just look at that. Maybe use the free trial to see if it'd work for you?

[@gcklo]

The route is so pretty. Where in UK?

[@SamHarrison2099]

I used Runna to train for a 50k this year, great app

[@FloraBeverley]

Ah no way! I'm keen to see how it'd fare for longer distances too, so I'll be trying it for an ultra next if this goes to plan 🤗

[@SamHarrison2099]

@@FloraBeverley my biggest problem was it was scheduling 75-90 minute runs for workdays that I just didn’t have time to finish. As a content creator you’ll probably have the time!

[@valeriehearn9800]

Any advice to those that work a 9-5 and have to run and workout in the morning as it gets cold here in USA?!

[@FloraBeverley]

I'm not sure how cold it gets there so apologies if this is impossible, but when I have things 9-5 I train morning, lunchtime or evening, depending on what the session is. Recovery runs (30 mins) are usually fine for me to fit in a lunch break and I used to do this when I had a desk job 😊 intervals and longer runs i did after work. Also easier if you can join a running group!

[@jmsanderson]

All the best with the plan, fingers crossed for a sub 42. :)

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank youuuuu

[@Jenaklcheung]

Does anyone have a similar thing to this app but for strength training designed for runners? (It was thought just before I watch the video! Ha!)

[@FloraBeverley]

This has strength training incorporated! It's optional so you just choose to add it and it tells you what your session should be :)

[@alondraaherrera9043]

Try copilot, loved it going on four months now! Also have a free trial

[@jungtao]

So logistically, how are u doing this with 2 phones? I noticed u are showing us the app on one phone while recording on another? Do u stash it away in a bush or carry it with u?

[@FloraBeverley]

Nooooo haha I film on my gopro! But showing it on my phone 😅

[@gcklo]

Why not run a 10k race?

[@FloraBeverley]

There aren't any local at the time I'll finish the 10 weeks training

[@BunnyLoverMia]

GRACE BEVERLEYS SISTER?

[@Daimoku1938]

get a road bike and stop wasting your time with running...

[@davesharratt917]

I got my HM PB in a solo time trial (during covid) by following a garmin "AI" coach plan. Its biggest weaknesses were not giving S&C guidance and not giving hills. And there's also an upper pace limit on their AI plans which I've nudged past and you will too now I think. I'd be interested to hear if you ever tried garmin coach. I'd seen a couple of your interval sessions and knew what they were aiming towards but didn't know if they were coached or self planned etc so good to see this background info. If you need a pacer in 6 weeks feel free to message me. Best of luck. I think you'll do better than you expect.

[@FloraBeverley]

Oh awesome! (I also got my HM PB in lockdown during a solo TT! Hoping I could beat it now but I've never tried since). Yes I think Garmin is limited in terms of personalisation too, the AI isn't as advanced as Runna. I'm yet to see Runna programme hills but hoping it would be an ultra, for example! I mayyyyyy need a pacer 👀👀👀