Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What is it?
Running training programs that are in an audio format and available for download to your MP3 player (iPod, Zune, etc.) or smart phone (iPhone or Android) so that you can listen to the coaching instructions while you run. Visit the program pages of this site to learn more.

How does it work?
The training programs consist of spoken word coaching instructions that are voiced-over background running music from time to time to let you know when to run, when to change your pace and when to rest. There are training programs for the following distances: 1 mile, 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, and full marathon. Each program consists of 3-4 days of training and can be scheduled to fit your agenda. The unique format is based on time, and allows you to run at your own level of intensity.

How do I download the programs?
The programs are available for download from leading digital music retailers iTunes, Amazon MP3, and the Nokia Music Store. The iPhone app is available from the Apple App Store. The Android app is available in the Android Marketplace and the Amazon App Store. Simply follow the download links from this site to be directed to the download page for the program of your choice.

How much do they cost?
The retailers set the prices and the cost depends on which program you choose, what mobile device you use, and what currency you use. The app version is free to download and comes with the first workout of each training program free, so you can try it before you buy. If you want to continue, there is a one-time, in-app purchase option to unlock the rest of the workouts. The cost of an MP3 program depends on how many tracks are in the program. Amazon MP3 sells each week separately while iTunes only offers the MP3 programs as as a complete album with no option to purchase weeks individually. In general, prices range from $0.99 - $10 USD; the best way to find out how much a program costs is to visit the retailer's site by clicking on the program of your choice from this site.

How big are the files? How much space will they take up on my device?

MP3 VERSION:
4 Weeks to 1 Mile Training Program: ~82MB
8 Weeks to 5K Training Program: ~776MB
8 Weeks to 10K Training Program: ~825MB
10 Weeks to Half-marathon Training Program: ~2.3GB
16 Weeks to Marathon Training Program: ~4.2GB

APP VERSION (Apple):
App is 17.2 MB, in-app purchases are as follows:
4 Weeks to 1 Mile Training Program: 6.95 MB
8 Weeks to 5K Training Program: 14.48 MB
8 Weeks to 10K Training Program: 15.14 MB
10 Weeks to Half-marathon Training Program: 18.27 MB
16 Weeks to Marathon Training Program: 28.59 MB

APP VERSION (Android):
App is 17 MB, in-app purchases are as follows:
4 Weeks to 1 Mile Training Program: 7.3 MB
8 Weeks to 5K Training Program: 15.2 MB
8 Weeks to 10K Training Program: 15.9 MB
10 Weeks to Half-marathon Training Program: 19.2 MB
16 Weeks to Marathon Training Program: 30.0 MB

I just finished the "4 Weeks to 1 Mile Training Program" and will be starting the "8 Weeks to 5k Training Program." Should I start the 5k program from the beginning or can I start on week 3 or 4?
Each program builds on its preceding program. For example, the 1 mile program is designed for absolute beginners, the 5k program assumes you can already run 1 mile, the 10k program assumes you can already run 5k...and so on. Additionally, the format is different between programs - what you did in the 5k program is not what you will do in the 10k program. The programs were designed to have a gradual increase in intensity to make training easier and to help reduce the chance of injury. So, the answer is: start from the beginning!

Where can I find tips on stretching, proper running form, etc.?
Here's a good site with loads of information about all aspects of training to run: http://www.runningplanet.com/training/

The coaching instructions on some of the workouts refer to "your 5k pace" or "your 10k pace." What exactly does that mean?
It means your goal pace for a 5k or 10k race. For example, if you hope to complete a 10k race in 1 hour, your goal pace would be a 10 minute mile, roughly.

How fast should I be running in the 1 mile program or the 5k program?
A general rule for beginners is this: If you can't talk, you're running too hard. If you can sing, you're not running hard enough. Basically, find a pace that's a challenge for you, but not too difficult for you to complete the workout. Don't worry about starting out slow - your speed and stamina will improve as the program progresses.

I have shin splints, or some other injury, what should I do?
Stop running and seek professional medical advice.

I feel pain when I run, what should I do?
Stop running and seek professional medical advice.

Are you planning on making any more training programs?
If you're interested in other programs or distances, please let me know.

Do you have a Facebook page?
Yes; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Personal-Running-Trainer/53742028198. Once on our Facebook page, you can post a comment, talk to other runners, or share a picture or success story.

How can I stream internet radio with the Personal Running Trainer app?
You can download one of the free internet radio apps like Pandora or Slacker Radio, set up an account with them, choose your station, press play and then minimize the app. Then start up Personal Running Trainer but make sure the playlist is empty. The coaching instructions will voice-over the internet radio. Note: these apps must be started before the Personal Running Trainer app is started in order to use both at the same time.

How can I track my distance, calories, etc.?
If you have the app version of PRT, try downloading one of the free tracking apps out there like MapMyRun or RunKeeper and run them in the background during your PRT workouts. They use global positioning (GPS) to track your distance, map running routes using google maps, set waypoints, calculate distance, elevation, calories burned, etc. Note: these apps must be started before the Personal Running Trainer app is started in order to use both at the same time. If you are using the MP3 version of PRT, you can still track your route, calculate distance, calories, etc. through the mapmyrun.com website.

How can I find a race in my area?
Ask local running clubs or running stores or check this out: Race calendar put together by Runner's World Magazine: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/racefinder/0,7151,s6-239-283-284-0-0-0-0-0,00.html It's searchable by location, date, distance, etc.

Troubleshooting FAQs

The app is not working properly; it keeps crashing, music or voice is not working, etc...what can I do?
Uninstalling and then re-installing the app on your device usually fixes most problems. If you've already made an in-app purchase, you can download that again too with no charge (just make sure you use the same account info - Apple ID, Gmail account, etc.). Also, make sure your device is current on all software updates and that you have the most current version of Personal Running Trainer.

I downloaded the free app and it worked fine but now that I've purchased a training program, the voice is not working.
This problem sometimes happens if there is an interruption during the download process after a program has been purchased. Here's how to fix it: first, make sure your device is current on all software updates, then try removing the app completely by uninstalling it from your device and then re-installing it. You can then "repurchase" your training program again free of charge and it should work just fine. Note: as long as you use the same account information (ie. Apple ID or Google account) you used to originally purchase the program, you will not be charged again.

I just got a new phone, will the app transfer?
You will have to re-download and "re-purchase" the training programs you had on your old phone but, as long as you use the same account information, you will not be charged again.

How can I get the MP3 version to transfer to the app version?
The MP3 version and the app version are not interchangeable or transferable. The app version will only work on iPhone / iPod Touch or Android phones. The MP3 version may be played like any other MP3 file on iPhone /iPod Touch or Android device.

I just paid for one of the MP3 training programs but not all of the tracks downloaded to my library. What's wrong?
Check to make sure the missing tracks aren't stuck or paused in the download que. In iTunes, you can click on the "Store" tab and select "Check for available downloads..." If that's not the problem, please contact the retailers' customer support. The stores are prompt and friendly when it comes to resolving these issues.

I want a refund.
Please contact the retailer who sold you the program.

I don’t see my question here.
Please check the Facebook page or e-mail us.