Apps to Help You Get Ready
Getting active and maintaining fitness is something we all should do, regardless of age. Being fit is a habit that will pay off for a lifetime.
Running a 5k was something I had thought about doing for years.The Rotary Club that I belong to has organized them in the past, but I never got serious about it until I was diagnosed with diabetes, A1C over 12 and everything.
Long story short, I got into a program and was able to get it to go into remission through a very restricted diet . I was able to avoid insulin and pills. However once I was able to start eating again, I just couldn't stop. It wasn't so much meals, it was endless snacking. I didn't want to lose my progress. After I talked about it with the psychologist in the program, she said I need a goal to keep me on track. I mentioned my dream of running a 5K and she thought it was a good idea. I decided that I would finally do it, but I needed some guidance. That was in April 2023. Since then, I've completed dozens of 5K's, a 10K and a half-marathon. This is something that you can do.
If you signed up for the #BlackskyFitness Virtual 5K and Mile Walk & Fun Run to start (or restart) your fitness journey and don't really know where to begin, here are two free resources I used that you may find helpful.
Just Run: Zero to 5K
Just Run: Zero to 5K is a simple but very effective running-training app. It is designed to help complete beginners gradually build the endurance and stamina needed to run a 5K (3.1-mile) race through a structured training plan and simple prompts. The full program takes calls for three combination walk/run workouts over 9 weeks. It’s surprising but very quickly after starting, you begin to see progress. Before the 9 weeks are over, you may be able to run three miles without stopping.
Nike Run Club (Android/iOS)
The Nike Run Club app is great for runners of all fitness and experience levels. It has training plans for people who just want to get started running, and for people who want to train for a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. The plans and workouts are varied and include Recovery runs, speed workouts and long-distance runs. The best part of the app is the availability of guided runs, featuring great coaches from around the world, including the famous Coach Chris Bennett, that are both challenging and inspiring.
Both of these apps will help you prepare for the #BlackskyFitness Virtual 5K and Mile Walk & Fun Run, but more importantly they’ll help you in your lifelong fitness journey. It’s a journey easier when you’re a part of a bigger community. Find a friend or two to join you. Registration for our event is still open, share the link with a friend.
