New user with a few questions and comments needs help

[MisterCode]

I finally got active and started C25K. Perhaps I was too quick to jump in and made some bad decisions but here is where I am at now.

I just finished W1D2 and I'm still trying to get things set up so all of my stats are tracked and convenient. I am using:

• C25K App
• Google Fit
• My Fitness Pal
• Polar Beat (with H7 strap)
• Samsung Health
• Samsung Watch

I am only using Google Fit because the C25K app asked and I figured I could disconnect it later if I didn't want to. But apparently, it isn't linked anyway and Google Fit shows no data. I've read some posts with people asking about the data not showing up in GF, but they got no solution responses. Not a deal-breaker for me, but it is annoying.

I am definitely going to keep using MyFitnessPal because it integrates with my health program at work for insurance discounts. My MFP app is connected to Samsung Health and getting my step count but trying to connect from MFP to C25K just launches the app and nothing else. Trying to connect to MFP from C25K by clicking Share brings up MFP, opens a web browser view and asks me if I want to import a recipe. Nope. I tried connecting the two via the websites on a PC but MFP connect button goes to exerciseforpink.com and redirects to zenlabsfitness, and nothing makes sense after that. I think the redirect just drops whatever data was needed... or the whole thing is just broken.

I read a help post about getting C25K to talk to MFP through the MapMyRun app. That didn't work. Uninstalled MapMyRun immediately. Seems like a bad idea to keep connecting more apps anyhow, so no loss there... unless it can work.

I am using the Polar Beat app with an H7 strap because my health program will not accept heart rate data from Samsung Health. I guess this isn't really a problem or question. Just including this detail in case anyone knows of problems it can cause when using C25K.

 

Then, I tried C25K Pro app to see if that app more up-to-date and would connect (since it's paid for). Nope. Same exact interface as the free version plus there is no way export/import between the paid/free versions. From what I saw online, this is true. So I uninstalled and got a refund. Perhaps I'm being a bit too precious, but I don't want to start c25k over or have an incomplete log. Also, after a workout is complete and you've closed the app you can't go back and share the workout data ever again? Or can you even opt to share it immediately when you're done. Reading things online leads me to believe you can. I guess I'll find out Friday if nobody knows.

Then I saw a blog post that there is a C25K watch app for Samsung. I couldn't find it in the Galaxy App store. Not on my phone, not on my PC. Maybe it isn't compatible with the newest watches or isn't there anymore. Does anyone know? I almost hope it isn't because things are already overly-complicated.

Also, I tried the C25K Zenlabs music subscription for the free trial. I ended up cancelling immediately because no matter what channel I chose, every song is choppy. Is that on purpose, like a metronome? If so, no thanks. If it's not supposed to happen, I don't know what the deal is. I can listen to other music apps while running without problems so I'm fine with using my own Google Play playlists. But I am curious about the built-in music. Is it helpful? I mean beyond a greater percent chance of sticking with it. I side with the idea that people who are committed to succeed are willing to spend money for convenience over believing people buy into success with money.

 

So, this is a big wall of text. If you made it here, thanks for your time. While I've probably guaranteed to eliminate any chance of someone relating to my experience and problems entirely, I would appreciate any insights into any of the issues I've got. Thanks. I haven't lurked enough to know if I'm flat-out annoying here. I'm just a bit flustered.

 

[CleBkPkr]

Don’t be flustered! This is a journey my friend and it will take some time. I wish I could help with all your app intergrations but I don’t use them. I have a fitbit HR and I use myfitnesspal for all my food. Hopefully someone here can help you out! Lots of great folks posting on this forum.  Best of luck to you and hang in there!

[Crabapple]

The C25k app seems willing to connect with Google Fit, and Google Fit claims they are connected, but info is never written to Google Fit (I've tried a couple or more times).

I don't have any apps connected to c25k, but when I run, I run the Nike app along with it. Well, I've stopped using the c25k app (explanations are at the end of my Training for April 5k thread (under Accountability)), so I only use the Nike app now.

I bought the c25k app and, like you said, there isn't much difference. I don't regret buying it, as it didn't cost very much and really helped me run during those first several runs when I wanted to just give up.

I find that several apps can run at the same time.

I can't help you with any of the others as I don't have them on my phone.

[Crabapple]

As for music, I made a playlist using the phone's default program instead of Google Play (it was recommended to do that to be able to have a playlist that worked with the c25k app).

I'd go to music through the c25k app, not find my playlist, click on play all (or something like that; it has been a while since I've gone there), then go out of the music, then back in (sometimes doing that again) before I even saw my playlist, so I said, Forget that! and went through the Nike app to get to the playlist. I love doing it that way, as it always starts up when my workout (run) starts, and will continue playing until I press stop on the run. In other words, it plays the list over and over again if I'm running long enough.

But I really liked the c25k for those first weeks of direction, being told when to start running and when to stop. It helps you figure out where you are and what you can do, plus gets you used to getting out there to do the run.