From Couch to 5K: Beginner's Running Guide
Want to start running but don't know where to begin? RunBox's "Couch to 5K" plan is designed specifically for absolute beginners. With AI coach personalized guidance, you'll go from completely sedentary to running 5K comfortably in 8 weeks.
Advantages of AI Beginner Training
- Progressive Start: Beginning with walk/run intervals
- Personalized Progress: Adjusting based on your fitness
- Habit Building: Creating a sustainable exercise lifestyle
- Injury Prevention: Correct running form and recovery guidance
honor band 4 running heart to heart
I am Kelly, a fitness enthusiast. I have been using Codoon for nearly three years. I love running and gourmet food. My Codoon circle has recorded my joyful journey from walking, jogging to running a half marathon. It also captures my love for work and the joy of preparing every meal at home. On October 13, 2018, I participated in the Shenyang Shenbei Puhe International Half Marathon. On October 15, I received the Honor Band 4 Running Edition for review. My body had already recovered after the half marathon, so from October 17 to 21, I ran 5 kilometers daily for five consecutive days. I used the Huawei Health App and Codoon to record my runs and evaluate the features of the Honor Band 4 Running Edition, especially its ability to monitor running posture and improve running form. Here are my review findings:
First Impressions of the Honor Band 4 Running Edition
1. Unboxing and inspection of the band and accessories.
Opening the outer packaging of the mail, I found a sky-blue box printed with the HonorBand 4 Running Edition.
Sliding and opening the blue box, the red and black dual-color wristband, main body, shoe buckle, charger, and 'Quick Start Guide' were clearly visible.
Opening the plastic packaging, the wristband, main body, shoe buckle, and charger stood out.
The design inspiration for the Honor Band 4 Running Edition comes from the air intake of sports cars, symbolizing continuous and abundant power. The appearance is quite stylish. The main body and wristband weigh 17g, making it very lightweight to wear. The wristband features multiple breathable holes, enhancing comfort during exercise. It uses dual-color injection molding technology, combined with a unique main body design, effectively preventing the main body from falling off during intense activities.
All these features are very simple, stylish, and practical, giving me a very good first impression.
2. Charging and powering on.
Align the charging metal contacts of the main body and insert it into the charging base,connect to the Huawei charger, and the main body powers on instantly, showing 70% charge on the screen.
After charging, insert the main body into the wristband from the inside, marking that the band is ready for use.
3. It comes from the prestigious Honor family and makes a grand entrance.
Before using it, besides reading the 'Quick Start Guide,' I also browsed the Honor website. The range of products, including phones, tablets, wearables, and smart home devices, is dazzling. Wearable devices include the Band 4, Watch S1, Play Band A1, Play Band A2, Band Zero SS Edition, and Band Zero. The Honor Band 4 Running Edition, which I am reviewing, is the latest addition, but its elegant appearance is not inferior to its siblings.
4. Easy to use and simple to operate.
Reading the included 'Quick Start Guide,' it is simple and clear, reflecting Honor's grand style. Despite its price of only 99 yuan, the service remains top-notch.
After downloading and installing the Huawei Health App on my phone, the band synchronized with the phone's time and was ready for use. I set up a series of options: time display, sleep monitoring, call reminders, message reminders, sedentary reminders, vibrating alarm, calorie consumption, do-not-disturb mode, goal achievement reminders, etc. I walked 3.36 kilometers, and the exercise data was displayed on my phone. This band is very easy to operate and use, and I quickly understood it.
Impressions of the Honor Band 4 Running Edition's Six-Axis Sensor
I know that, like other smart bands, it is used for daily exercise monitoring and message reminders. Besides the normal band functions, it has one unique feature that other bands don't have—its innovative characteristic lies in its use of a 'six-axis sensor.'
The so-called 'six-axis sensor' refers to its use when installed on shoes. It not only transforms into smart running shoes but also evaluates running posture and provides exercise suggestions to improve running efficiency and ability, which is exactly what I need.
The 'six-axis sensor' can detect seven indicators: landing method, landing impact, eversion amplitude, swing angle, stride length, step frequency, and ground contact time. Supported by national professional sports research institutions, it scientifically interprets running posture parameters and provides exercise suggestions. All data and suggestions can be seen in the accompanying software. I inserted the main body into the shoe buckle, and the band automatically switched to the shoe-wearing mode, turning the running shoes into smart running shoes.
From October 17 to 21, I spent five days running 5 kilometers daily, using the Huawei Health App and Codoon to record my runs.
(1) Accuracy of recording running distance and pace:
1. Comparison of distance and pace recorded by Codoon and Huawei Health App on October 17:
Codoon record
Huawei Health App record
2. Comparison of distance and pace recorded by Codoon and Huawei Health App on October 18:
Codoon record
Huawei Health App record
3. Comparison of distance and pace recorded by Codoon and Huawei Health App on October 19:
Codoon record
Huawei Health App record
4. Comparison of distance and pace recorded by Codoon and Huawei Health App on October 20:
Codoon record
Huawei Health App record
5. Comparison of distance and pace recorded by Codoon and Huawei Health App on October 21:
Codoon record
Huawei Health App record
Through data comparison, although there are differences in the software's start and stop times, the distance and pace recorded by Codoon and the Huawei Health App are basically consistent, indicating that the 'six-axis sensor' is accurate.
(2) Monitoring running conditions with the 'six-axis sensor':
The Huawei Health App displays four aspects after each 'outdoor run': 'track,' 'pace,' 'charts (step frequency, ground contact time, and landing impact),' and 'details (details are a comprehensive analysis of the first three, including running posture and landing method, with final analysis and suggestions).' Therefore, we can analyze each run from the 'details':
1. Monitoring the running posture of the left foot:
On October 17, I inserted the main body into the left shoe buckle. After running, the Huawei Health App displayed 'details':
Landing method: forefoot 0%, full foot 1%, heel 99%. The analysis and suggestions given to me were twofold: long ground contact time and primarily heel landing.
On October 18, I again inserted the main body into the left shoe buckle. Following its suggestions, I paid special attention to controlling my body center and landing method. After running, the Huawei Health App displayed 'details':
Landing method: forefoot 2%, full foot 4%, heel 94%.
2. Monitoring the running posture of the right foot:
On October 19, I inserted the main body into the right shoe buckle and ran with my usual posture. After running, the Huawei Health App displayed 'details':
Landing method: forefoot 0%, full foot 0%, heel 100%. The analysis and suggestions given to me were still twofold: long ground contact time and primarily heel landing.
On October 20, I again inserted the main body into the right shoe buckle. Following its suggestions, I still paid special attention to controlling my body center and landing method. After running, the Huawei Health App displayed 'details':
Landing method: forefoot 0%, full foot 1%, heel 99%.
3. The progress in both feet is very small, but I am still very happy because habits formed over 11 months of running need to be changed gradually. Through adjusting my center of gravity and changing my landing method, I indeed feel that running is more effortless and the risk of injury is reduced. However, running is a comprehensive system, and the current adjustments are rigid and partial. This review has strengthened my confidence and determination to continuously improve my running posture.
Impressions of other features of the Honor Band 4 Running Edition
With two wearing methods, I first focused on evaluating the innovative feature—the 'six-axis sensor' monitoring running function. Then, in the wrist-wearing mode, the Honor Band 4 Running Edition's functions are similar to other brands I have worn, such as time display, accurate step counting, sleep monitoring, call reminders, message reminders, sedentary reminders, find my phone, vibrating alarm, call rejection, Bluetooth disconnection reminder, silent call, calorie consumption, do-not-disturb mode, goal achievement reminders, etc. I experienced and evaluated each function, and they met my expected usage requirements, so I won't elaborate here.
The Honor Band 4 Running Edition has a long battery life. It has been on standby for seven days, and the battery is still at 70%, with plug-and-play charging, no need for a charging cable.
For waterproof testing, I placed the main body of the Honor Band 4 Running Edition in a basin of water,took it out, wiped it dry with a towel, and it worked normally.
Overall Evaluation and Suggestions
The Honor Band 4 Running Edition innovates with two wearing methods and redefines the running function of smart bands. It is suitable not only for beginners like me to improve running posture and reduce injuries but also for advanced runners who need scientific speed improvement, enhancing running efficiency and making running posture more professional.
Suggestion: If it could monitor both feet simultaneously and provide suggestions on step frequency and stride length, it would be more beneficial for runners' training and efficiency improvement.
Start Your Transformation Today
RunBox provides beginner runners with:
- 8-week progressive training plan
- Daily check-in and motivation system
- Video tutorials for running techniques
- Beginner community support
Download RunBox and start your running journey today!
