Is running a marathon or half marathon on your bucket list? Can you imagine yourself crossing the finish line?
Well what are you waiting for? Get out there and start running!
Getting started is the hardest part (trust me, I know!), but before you can make it to the finish line you need to get to the starting line!
Since I wrote a post last week about inspiring others to start running I thought it would be helpful to share some of the resources that worked for me when I was just getting started a little over a year and a half ago. When I first decided I wanted to run a half marathon I couldn’t run down the block without being winded and sore, so these are all great starting points for “non-runners”!
GET RUNNING
GET RUNNING is a 9 week “Couch to 5k” plan that starts with walk/ run interval training and builds up to running a 5k! There is a voice that prompts you when to switch intervals and encourages you along the way. The app also allows you to listen to your own iPod/ iPhone music during your run session (the music will automatically lower when the voice comes on to prompt you). There is also a website you can use along with the app that has running tips and a forum that offers great support for users to discuss their experiences with others. This program worked for me and I definitely would suggest it to any new runner looking to build up their endurance and mileage.
GET RUNNING SCREEN SHOTS
When I “graduated” from the Get Running program and needed to be able to track my mileage beyond a 5k I began using and app called:
RunKeeper
This app offers many of the functions of a GPS running watch through a free app on your phone! It tracks distance, speed, pace and even creates a map of your run, all of which are then kept in your activity log. The data is all automatically synced to your page on RunKeeper.com and can also be set to automatically post your runs/ workouts to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. There are two other features I love on RunKeeper.com – 1) under “ROUTES” can you enter your zip code and the distance you are looking to run and it will show you routes other RunKeeper users have posted in your area and 2) you can create a “Street Team” (which is sort of like becoming “Friends” with someone on Facebook) and you are able to follow their workouts which is great for keeping each other motivated!
RunKeeper Screen Shots
Jeff Galloway
When I began researching beginner half marathon training plans I kept coming across the name Jeff Galloway. The more I read about him the more I was convinced that Jeff Galloway (a 1972 Olympian) and his Run-Walk-Run training plan was a good place to start.
Jeff”s Run-Walk-Run uses a combination of running/ walking intervals to build up mileage at a comfortable pace that helps reduce the chance of injury allowing a high percentage of runners using the plans to meet their goals. There are two things that I was very impressed with as I learned more about Jeff and the Galloway Method. First, was Jeff’s “YOU CAN DO IT!” attitude. It was clear he was genuinely enthusiastic about helping as many people as possible reach their running goals. Second was the number of resources available on the Galloway Method:
- JeffGalloway.com – Jeff’s website has information about him and the Run-Walk-Run method as well as training plans for 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathons.
- Training Apps – there are apps available to coach you through the 5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathon distances.
- Jeff’s Books – I used the “Half Marathon – You Can Do It” book during my training (Jeff even signed mine at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Expo!)
- The Extra Mile Podcast Galloway Edition – During the podcast Jeff discusses his Run-Walk-Run method in detail with host Kevin Gwin, I loved listening to this on my training runs.
- runDisney – Jeff is the official runDisney Training Consultant so training plans specifically designed for each of the runDisney events are available on the website, there are also short training videos featuring Jeff available.
I had the opportunity to not only meet Jeff, but to go on a run with him at the 2011 and 2012 Wine & Dine Meet Ups! He was so friendly, down to earth and took the time to answer everyone’s questions and pose for pictures.
So, there you have it, a few of the running resources that helped me get started! What are you waiting for, grab your sneakers and get out there – and if you have any questions I can help with let me know! Any other apps / tools / resources you suggest??
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
Live, Run, Grow 
Very informative, even for those of us running already. I use runkeeper and never noticed all those additional features. I often needed running routes and had the power to do it all along.
Any suggestions for working on speed? I’m very slow, as the mileage was more important than the time. But, I want to be a faster runner. I want to get in corral C (or B) next time.
Sorry, I know I leave a lot of comments 😦
Please don’t apologize for leaving a lot of comments, I love it! It means that I’m at least writing about stuff people are interested in!
As far as speed work, to be honest it’s something I need to start working on too! It’s a great idea for a post thought, maybe I’ll do some research and write a post for later this week to encourage me to start working on it too!
P.S. – did you get that picture of the turtle float I sent you from W&D? I sent it last week…
I would very much appreciate it! I am proud of how far I’ve come, but I want to and know I can go farther…if you find multiple methods, I can be a guinea pig! I’ll try out one and let you know how it goes. Especially since I’m not training for another race just yet.
And yes I did! Thank you so much! I responded to the email, but yeah, thanks again, it came out soooooooo much better than any of mine.
And I’m glad about the comments. I just can’t seem to help myself because I keep relating to what you write and/or getting motivated by it.
Did you use the Galloway method when you started running initially? If so, what intervals did you start at and how did you then progress? If not, when and how did you incorporate the method into your training? I have a history of starting running programs and then getting injured and quitting. I have heard that the Galloway method is great for people with histories like mine. Thanks so much for your motivational blog! I would love to hear more about how you got started running!
When I first started running I used the Get Running App I listed above which used intervals to train up to a 5k straight run. After that I began using the Galloway Method to train up to the half marathon distance. I used a 3 minute run : 1 minute walk interval ratio (which is determined by your pace) and I followed his half marathon training plan – you can find the information on the training plan and the appropriate run:walk ration for you on the Galloway site: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html
I used the book and the website for information when I was training, the app wasn’t available at the time, but I’m sure it’s a great resource to take you through everything step by step!
If you’ve been plagued with injuries in the past I really think this may be a great option for you! Jeff’s whole philosophy is getting people to run injury free! I’d give it a try if I were you and PLEASE feel free to ask any questions, I’m happy to help and talk more about my experience. You can also e-mail me at LiveRunGrow@gmail.com if you’d like.
If you’d like you can read about why I started running here: http://wp.me/p20h7V-7
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.
Pingback: 2 years ago today… | Live, Run, Grow
Hi Danielle! Just love your blog. I notice you started running with intervals. Do you still do intervals, or do you run the whole time now? I’m running my first half in MA next month. Just curious if I should stick with intervals after that or try to run everything.
Thanks and best of luck in the MCM!
Hi Erika! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Yes, when I began I started with (very small!) intervals. Now for the most part I do a straight run, except for full marathons (and the long full marathon training runs). My body doesn’t like anything over 16 miles of straight running still so the intervals work best for me!
Good luck with your first half marathon! What race are you doing? Please let me know how it goes!
Hi again!
I am doing the “All Ladies and One Lucky Guy” race in Newburyport, Mass. Guys pay a $5 fee to enter the lottery, and one name is picked out, so he’s the only guy that gets to run. 🙂
Right now I’m doing 5:1 intervals. Moved up 2 weeks ago from 3:1 intervals. Gotta say I like the 3:1 a lot better. 🙂 I just started earnestly running in March, though, so my heart is still getting stronger.
Thanks for your reply, and again, best wishes in the Marine Corps Marathon. I’m sure it will be amazing!