My Favorite Apps, Watches, and Training Plans for Running

I wasn't sure what topic I wanted to cover first in these running posts, but I figured training plans were a good place to start. I want to remind you that I am not an expert on running. I'm just sharing what I've learned over the past several years, things that I liked/didn't like, and things that worked/didn't work for me. I was constantly searching Google and Pinterest for all sorts of running information when I first started, so I'm hoping some of this may be helpful to others during their research.

When I decided to sign up for a race, I wanted to find a training plan to get me ready. I downloaded the free C25k app (couch to 5k) and used it to get me started. It worked really well for me because it started out small, which is what I needed. Just a few days a week, and more walking than running to start. When I first started, I could barely run for 30 seconds at a time, but by the end, I ran my first 5k and felt pretty good about it!

Photos from the Fifth Third Riverbank Run. I ran the 25k (15.5) miles, which is my furthest run so far.

While using the C25k app, it told me when to run and when to walk, but I wanted something that would track my distance and pace (C25k may be different now, but at the time, it didn't have those features). I didn't have any type of running watch or step tracker, so I used a free app on my phone called Map My Run. The app uses the GPS on your phone to track your distance, pace, duration, speed, and it creates a map of your route. I used it a lot when I first started running and really liked it. 

At that point I was running pretty often, so I decided I wanted a step counter/tracker. So Kevin and I both got the Fitbit Flex. I know that Fitbit has a ton of other versions available now, but I liked the Flex because it was small and I could still wear it with a watch and bracelets and it didn't stick out (see photo below). You could also easily change out the bands so they matched your outfit if you wanted. I was able to use my Fitbit to not only track my steps through out the day, but also to track my runs (pace, distance, etc.). The app allowed you to compete in different challenges with your friends, which was a great motivator. I used my Fitbit Flex for about two years before it stopped working. I didn't have good luck with their customer service, so I decided to switch to a different product at this point. (However, my sister has had great luck with their customer service and has upgraded to another Fitbit product, so sounds like the customer service isn't all bad.)

wearing my Fitbit Flex (next to my watch) in this pic...not very noticeable

After my Fitbit quit working, I decided to upgrade my step tracker. At this point, I was a little more serious about running, and had started training for my first half marathon. After talking to a few serious runners at work, I decided to switch to a Garmin watch. Specifically the Garmin Forerunner 230. Garmin has a lot of different options, but after some research, I decided this model was the one that would be best for me in terms of features and cost. I've had my watch for almost a year and I love it. It does pretty much everything. Tracks distance, pace, steps, etc. It also syncs to your watch so you can get texts, notifications, answer/decline phone calls, and more (or less if you don't want any of that coming through to your watch). 

The Garmin Connect app records all of your runs and allows you to connect with friends, similar to the way Fitbit does. It also syncs with My Fitness Pal (app that you can use to log what you eat and other workouts), if you use it. A feature of Garmin Connect that I just started using a few months ago is the Training Plan section. You can pick your race distance (5k, half marathon, etc), put in the race date, pick your running level, and it will create a training plan for you. Kevin and I have both been using it for just over two months to train for our marathon. We'll see how the marathon goes, but I know I'm getting faster, because I cut over 1:30 off of my best 5k record while on the plan. I've been pretty happy with it so far, and plan to use it to train for future races too.

I know that was a lot of information, so here's a quick breakdown that's a little easier to follow:

Training Plans

Used in the Past: C25k (Couch to 5k training app)

Currently Using: Garmin Connect (all different distance and levels of training plans)

Apps

Used in the past: Map My Run, Fitbit

Currently Using: Garmin Connect

Step Trackers/Running Watches

Used in the Past: Fitbit Flex

Currently Using: Garmin Forerunner 230

Overall, I've been happy with every training plan, app, and watch I've used, but I'm definitely loving my Garmin the most. The Garmin watches can be quite the investment, especially if you are just starting out, but for someone who is running pretty often, I'd definitely recommend it. 

If you're a runner, leave a comment telling me your favorite training plans, apps, or running watches!

*This post contains affiliate links.

12 in 12

In 2016, I ran 12 races. It wasn't a goal of mine when I started the year, but around August, I realized it was going to happen and I was kind of proud of it. And even though I titled this post "12 in 12" it was actually 12 races in 10 months. 

7: 5ks (3.1 miles)

1: Marathon Relay (5 miles)

2: 10ks (6.2 miles)

1: 10 Miler

1: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

When I started running about four years ago, I never even dreamt about running a half-marathon. Three miles was more than enough for me. But once I reached my time goal for my 5k (under 30 minutes), I decided to try a 10k. And then I thought it wasn't so bad, so I tried the 10 mile race. And then I figured what the heck, what's three more miles? And I did it. I ran 13.1 miles. Sometimes I still can't believe I was able to do it. I'm definitely not fast, but that isn't my goal. My goal is just to get out there and do it.

source

So what's next? Well, I might be losing my mind, but I am planning to run a marathon in 2017! 26.2 miles. I can't even comprehend that right now. I am signed up for a half-marathon in April, and a 25k (15.5 miles) in May, so I'm preparing for an October marathon. 

But do you know the best part? Kevin (my husband) is going to run it with me! As much as I never thought I'd attempt it, I never x100 thought Kevin would. He never understood why I ran or did races, but now that he's been running, I think he's getting addicted too. And I'm not mad about it.

As of right now, my only goal is to finish. As I train, I hope to come up with a time goal to try and beat. Wish me luck! And if you have any tips for a first-time marathoner, send 'em my way!

Vacation Recap: St. Ignace & Mackinac Island

Last Wednesday night, Kevin and I made the 4 hour drive up to St. Ignace, where we stayed until Sunday. We stayed in a cute hotel right on the lake, with a balcony and view of Mackinac Island. When I signed up for The Great Turtle Trail Run Half Marathon (long name) on Mackinac Island, we decided to make a little vacation out of it and head up a coupe of days early. It was the perfect get away. We relaxed, ate good food, played tourist, and I ran my first half marathon!

View from the balcony of our room. I could wake up to that every morning!

Our room even had a cute little fire place!

We slept in on Thursday morning and it felt amazing not waking up to an alarm! We got up, ate breakfast, then went for a run around downtown St. Ignace. After showering and getting ready, we walked around the little shops and bought a few things before heading to lunch. When we planned this trip, I knew we had to try a pastie while we were up north. Pasties are basically like pot pies, without the pot. I'd only heard of them, but never had one, so I was skeptical, but OMG it was sooo good! We went to Lehto's Pasties and we will definitely go back next time we are up north.

After stuffing our faces, we went to the casino, ate dinner, then headed to a little movie theater where we saw The Account (great movie, definitely recommend it).

Driving across the Mackinac Bridge on the way to the movie.

This picture doesn't even come close to showing it, but the fall colors were amazing every where we went.

Friday morning we slept in again (glorious) and then caught a ferry over to Mackinac Island. We again played tourist (even thought we've both been there before) and walked around all of the shops. We decided to take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island, which we had never done before. I would definitely recommend doing that if you ever go to Mackinac Island. All of our random questions we had were answered, we learned a lot, and also got to see a lot of the island that we had never seen before.

View of the Mackinac Bridge from the island.

One of the many beautiful homes on the island. Kevin thought it was so weird that I took a picture of someone's house.

Our horses!

Took a little break on the carriage ride to let the horses rest. Beautiful views everywhere!

The carriage tour stopped at Arch Rock. One of my favorite places on the island.

Our horses Rosco (left) and Bill (right).

After the horse tour we went and picked up our race packets and then caught a ferry back to our hotel, where we relaxed for the rest of the night.

Saturday morning we were up early so we could catch a ferry to the island for our races! I ran the half marathon and Kevin did the 5.7 mile race. Even though I had been training, I was not prepared for all of the hills on this race. They were intense. And there were a lot of them. The first two miles and the last two miles were on the outside of the island, but the middle 9 miles were all run on trails through out the island. I didn't have a time goal for this, just to run the entire time, which I did, so I was happy. My time ended up being 2:30:17 (I could be off on the seconds...but it was 2 hours and 30 minutes). Kevin killed it in his race...he ran lot of hills too and his time was great! Just over 51 minutes.

Ready for our races! Don't let the sun fool you, it was only a high of 49 degrees that day!

Heading to the finish line. Dead tired lol

I did it! 13.1 miles!

This was the area where our run started and finished. Like said, beautiful everywhere!

We were exhausted and sore after the race, so we caught a ferry back to St. Ignace, grabbed some food, and then sat in the hot tub at the hotel for a little while before heading back to the room to pass out.

Sunday morning we packed up, headed home, picked up Admiral, and spent the rest of the day watching football and doing laundry. It was such a great mini-vacation. Kevin and I had a blast relaxing and enjoying our time together. I love that we were able to take this little trip together, especially have after a crazy busy summer. It was nice to just relax and enjoy our time together.

- Ericka