CC and iTreads

[RunnerGirl]

I know that there are a million and one threads about these out there but I have a specific question that I could not find the answer to.

I just purchased the iTread Outdoor workout a few weeks ago. I have to say it is the first iTread that I do not like. I really can't do the whole perceived exertion thing. Has anyone done this iTread and CC and could maybe compare them? I still have not tried CC because I didn't know how I would like it if it is similiar to the iTread outdoors. I have no clue what a 3 or 5 or 8 should be. Maybe I should just stick with my iTreads on the TM and just listen to my own music outside.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings...

 

[meowracer]

I have not yet tried iTrain but use CC a lot. He doesn't give you numbers other than levels that correspond to the zones. He gives you zones and you figure out what that zone and levels feels like to you. For me, blue zone (level 1) (easiest and used for warm up and most cool downs) is just a very, very easy pace. Then he ups it to green zone (level 2). I compare this to being in the mall, late to meet somebody and I have to get across the whole mall so I'm hoofing it but not making a spectacle of myself - just going faster than others. Then he gives you orange zone (level 3). This is a good workout. You are breathing through your mouth and working hard but not quite puke-your-guts-out hard. You can keep this pace up for a bit. Some times, he takes you to red zone (level 4). This is a pace you could not keep for long at all and if you did, you would, indeed, puke(!) and there would be a good chance that your legs would fall off The workouts are fabulous, they fly by, and you feel so good at the end.

 

[cindi1]

There is some really good information on the CC website that explains heart rate zones and exertion levels. I had tried iTread first and liked that they gave you specific target speeds even though I couldn't always run at those levels. It gave me something to work toward.

CC is more flexible in that you choose your settings based on your exertion and HR levels. But I found at first that the guidelines for % max HR didn't match my perceived level of exertion. In other words I didn't feel I was working hard enough at 75% max, etc. So you have to put a little more thought and time into what your levels of exertion are.

On the other hand, I love Coach Sean from CC and his timings on the challenges are spot on which I appreciate. You also have the flexibility to do his workouts on different cardio pieces other than the treadmill.

CC are so inexpensive now - I would get one and try it. You can get a download workout for less than $10.

I should add that when I run outdoors, I never use CC or iTread. I use my Garmin to set pace, intervals, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[carres1973]

I know that there are a million and one threads about these out there but I have a specific question that I could not find the answer to.

I just purchased the iTread Outdoor workout a few weeks ago. I have to say it is the first iTread that I do not like. I really can't do the whole perceived exertion thing. Has anyone done this iTread and CC and could maybe compare them? I still have not tried CC because I didn't know how I would like it if it is similiar to the iTread outdoors. I have no clue what a 3 or 5 or 8 should be. Maybe I should just stick with my iTreads on the TM and just listen to my own music outside.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings...

LaDonna,

I have and use both CC and iTrain. I am with you on the outdoor iTrain. I actually had to remind myself I didn't like the first one so that I wouldn't buy another!

With CC you could use perceived exertion or you could use heart rate or a combination of both. I use a combination of both. When I am working hard on a challenge, I use heart rate (but am not a "slave" to it). When in recover mode, I use perceived exertion.

I really do like the iTrains. I prefer being told what to do and what levels to use. I have found that I try to push faster just as I do with CC. I am a walker so I push to walk at the higher end of the range.

I do what you are thinking of doing. I created a playlist of fast-paced songs on my iPod to use when walking outside.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Carrie

 

[SirenSongWoman]

I've yet to try iTread and worry I won't use them the way I use CC. It really is the Sean O'Malley factor... his voice, his accent ("So... How did you deEW?), what he says, the way he motivates you. I always say the only thing I don't like about CC is that there aren't enough. He's working on his ninth but I would love it if he had 50 of the things, all different lengths (30min to 60min), levels of difficulty and types of challenge. I'd like it if there were so many all you have to do is decide the length, pick a challenge, and then surprise yourself. When there are only 8 or 9 the element of surprise, if you use them a lot, is hard to come by. He's said he's working on it. But if produces a lot more it will be unlikely he will always be The Coach. In which case, he will need to be very careful the workouts have that same awesome CC vibe.

 

[DirtDiva]

Then he ups it to green zone (level 2). I compare this to being in the mall, late to meet somebody and I have to get across the whole mall so I'm hoofing it but not making a spectacle of myself - just going faster than others.

Okay that is just freaking funny! In as much that I hate malls, I can see this in my mind's eye. What a great description of the four levels!