I've been running 3 days a week for a little over a month now just to get myself primed for Galloway's supposed "beginners" routine. I'm in reasonable shape, but for now I'm only running about two to two and a half miles per run and only on the treadmill, just to make sure I don't break anything too soon.
I'm using am awesome app for the iPhone called "Easy 5k" by Jeff Galloway. It was free when I got it, but now it runs about $3.99. (They just released one for half marathon training but it's a little more pricey at $14.99.) You can download coaching tracks from Jeff so he'll cheer you on during your run and give you tips. And the best part: the tracks are free! It also lets you sync your iPod music to the pace of your running based on the BPM, which I think is a huge plus! I'm hoping the half marathon/marathon app goes on sale before I need it!
The other thing I've already taken care of is headphones. And this was a major pain! I have very small ears and my classic iPod buds wouldn't stay in more than a few minutes. I tried my boyfriend's similar in-ear headphones and no luck. So I finally gave in and went to Walmart. I bought some cheap clip-ons by Philips, figuring the over the ear had to work (and I don't have too much cash to spend). Way too big! To get them to stay while running, I had to position the speaker way away from my ear.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-Over-the-Ear-Earhook-Headphones-SHS3200-37/9917087
After returning those, I decided to do a little research in the store. Without making too much of a mess I found these babies:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Yurbuds-Ironman-Series-Endure-Behind-The-Ear-Headphones-White/19528141
These are worth the money! Especially if you have very tiny ears like mine. They have been working fantastic, and thankfully because I couldn't manage to run much longer without music!
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Competition begins in: 201 days
Last run: 2.5 miles (yesterday)
Average speed: 11.1 mins/mile
Track of the day: Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars
