Help! I need a watch/timer for interval training!

[insp86]

Hey-

I hope all is well. I'm kinda stuck and I need some gear advice.

I'm trying to do the linked plan to turn myself into a runner. Basically it involves intervals of running and walking, building up from an even split to full 30 minute runs. The problem is I need a good timepiece which beeps (or better yet vibrates) when it is time for me to switch from walking to running. Some of the sequences are pretty complicated, but even just two alternating sequences (1 min, 2 min, 1 min, 2 min, etc.) would be useful. But if I could program the whole thing, that would be ideal. Anyway, thanks a ton, hope someone can help!

-Insp

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

 

[RedLantern]

Originally Posted by insp86

Hey-

I hope all is well. I'm kinda stuck and I need some gear advice.

I'm trying to do the linked plan to turn myself into a runner. Basically it involves intervals of running and walking, building up from an even split to full 30 minute runs. The problem is I need a good timepiece which beeps (or better yet vibrates) when it is time for me to switch from walking to running. Some of the sequences are pretty complicated, but even just two alternating sequences (1 min, 2 min, 1 min, 2 min, etc.) would be useful. But if I could program the whole thing, that would be ideal. Anyway, thanks a ton, hope someone can help!

-Insp

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Get a cheap-ass watch with a stopwatch. Look at the watch periodically when you run.

 

[merkur]

..

 

[Flambeur]

gymboss

 

[robertorex]

http://www.beach-fitness.com/tabata/ I actually use this when doing tabata intervals with my kettlebell in my dorm room.

 

[Gradstudent78]

Originally Posted by Flambeur

gymboss

+1

 

[js4design]

not sure if this helps but i work out by myself and was having trouble staying on pace, so i downloaded a program to make a "power hour" playlist for drinking. then i used my normal workout mix and the program made 60 1 minute clips. so i use the clips to time out my sets and rest intervals, and my last 2 workouts were 45 - 50 minutes instead of normally 1.75 hours or more. and my numbers as far as weight used and reps were the same or better. it really worked well, though i don't know if this would work for you.

 

[Thomas]

Timex Ironman with 100-lap memory. It's been durable these last 10 years. Simple to operate, too.

 

[Grayland]

Originally Posted by robertorex

http://www.beach-fitness.com/tabata/

I actually use this when doing tabata intervals with my kettlebell in my dorm room.

I have a Gymboss and a Timex Ironman, but your link is awesome. I'll have to use that. The problem with the Gymboss or the watch is that when music is blaring, it's hard to keep up with the time. I know the Gymboss has a vibrator, but I often "miss it" when going hard.

 

[indy116]

Originally Posted by insp86

Hey-

I hope all is well. I'm kinda stuck and I need some gear advice.

I'm trying to do the linked plan to turn myself into a runner. Basically it involves intervals of running and walking, building up from an even split to full 30 minute runs. The problem is I need a good timepiece which beeps (or better yet vibrates) when it is time for me to switch from walking to running. Some of the sequences are pretty complicated, but even just two alternating sequences (1 min, 2 min, 1 min, 2 min, etc.) would be useful. But if I could program the whole thing, that would be ideal. Anyway, thanks a ton, hope someone can help!

-Insp

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Check out http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html - music is provided complete with chimes telling you when to speed up or slow down.

 

[insp86]

Wow... this might be even better!

Originally Posted by indy116

Check out http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html - music is provided complete with chimes telling you when to speed up or slow down.

 

[bbaquiran]

Originally Posted by Thomas

Timex Ironman with 100-lap memory. It's been durable these last 10 years. Simple to operate, too.

+1

Cheap, too.

 

[indy116]

Originally Posted by insp86

Wow... this might be even better!

It is pretty neat. I'm on week 7 now. I've never been a fan of "electronic" music, but the set beat speed and such have been nice.

 

[insp86]

Thanks for the bump up.

Believe it or not, I'm on week 5 of podrunner intervals and have dropped six pounds

For now, it is working great!

 

[bowlhead99]

There are a good bunch of Couch to 5k resources at http://www.c25k.com/

I followed the Robert Ullrey podcasts when doing it myself. There are others but it worked OK for me.