Best couch to half marathon app

theresa961
theresa961 Posts: 37 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
As a goal for 2018 I want to complete half marathon. Which app is best for training? Preferably a free app

Replies

  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,743 Member
    Pushing yourself too hard, too soon is not a good idea. I agree with starting out with C25k. Once you are comfortable running for half an hour, you can increase your distance, gradually. Hal Higdon's website has a lot of training plans for races of various distances, including a couple of novice HM apps. It assumes you can run 3 miles though, at the start.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    What is your current level of physical fitness? If you're comfortable with walking for about half an hour, then you're ready for C25K. If not, then build up to that first before starting to run.
  • theresa961
    theresa961 Posts: 37 Member
    I currently do Orangetheory 4 times a week with cardio part of class,on treadmill. I usually log around 2.5 miles in the time on tread. I can also walk long distances. I walk a lot. I really want to run/ walk the half marathon. Just an awesome goal for me this year as I feel more fit at age 56 than I did at 50.
  • johnny_19
    johnny_19 Posts: 32 Member
    I'm doing Zen Labs 13.1, but I started with Couch to 5k from Active. Both are great apps.
  • ABabilonia
    ABabilonia Posts: 622 Member
    theresa961 wrote: »
    I currently do Orangetheory 4 times a week with cardio part of class,on treadmill. I usually log around 2.5 miles in the time on tread. I can also walk long distances. I walk a lot. I really want to run/ walk the half marathon. Just an awesome goal for me this year as I feel more fit at age 56 than I did at 50.

    As much as you feel more fit now, you still need to set realistic goals, otherwise you are not only setting yourself for failure, but you are inviting injuries along the way. I agree with all the statements above about the C25K app. If you truly feel comfortable with the 5K then you can jump to the 10K. The same company that offers the C25K app has also a 10K app for free, and a Half Marathon app for $4.99.
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    Give yourself at least 6 months to build up to it. Don't rush it. Even though you are fit and the workouts may seem easy, it is best to follow them. The thing about running injuries is you have no idea they are going to happen until they do. Then it is too late.

    Since you are running 2.5 on the dreadmill Couch to 5K may be too entry level. I would suggest working you way up to 3 miles (outside if you can - big difference from dreadmill running) and then start on the 10k plan. Then work on the half.

    Remember slow and steady. No need to rush or run fast for your first year of running.

    Good luck.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    That's great news that you already have a strong fitness base. You sound well prepared to start C25K. And yes, get outside if at all possible. Treadmills work for some things, but if you want to race, you need to train on terrain that a race would be run on--most likely pavement.

    And be sure to go to a running store to be fitted for shoes!
  • Philtex
    Philtex Posts: 1,221 Member
    Here is a 10-week half marathon training schedule:

    http://www.marathonrookie.com/support-files/10weekhalfmarathonschedule.pdf

    This beginner half marathon training program assumes you have been running
    consistently for at least 4-6 weeks and can run for at least thirty minutes without stopping
    before beginning the program.

    Good luck and have fun!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    theresa961 wrote: »
    I currently do Orangetheory 4 times a week with cardio part of class,on treadmill. I usually log around 2.5 miles in the time on tread. I can also walk long distances. I walk a lot. I really want to run/ walk the half marathon. Just an awesome goal for me this year as I feel more fit at age 56 than I did at 50.

    if you can already run a coupel of miles on the treadmill, the first step is to go outside and try 2 miles.

    then maybe find a c210k app that starts at that distance.

    once you can do 10k comfortably, see if you're still fancying a half and then pick a race and a training plan.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    theresa961 wrote: »
    I currently do Orangetheory 4 times a week with cardio part of class,on treadmill. I usually log around 2.5 miles in the time on tread. I can also walk long distances. I walk a lot. I really want to run/ walk the half marathon. Just an awesome goal for me this year as I feel more fit at age 56 than I did at 50.

    if you can already run a coupel of miles on the treadmill, the first step is to go outside and try 2 miles.

    then maybe find a c210k app that starts at that distance.

    once you can do 10k comfortably, see if you're still fancying a half and then pick a race and a training plan.

    ^^^ This

    And if you're thinking of doing a run/walk check out jeffgalloway.com/

    I think I was 55 when I ran my first half-marathon. It's exhilarating crossing that finish line.
  • rodmelching
    rodmelching Posts: 67 Member
    Runkeeper's is a free running app with free training plans. The HM plans start out at sub 2:30 . . . not sure if that matches your pace goal or not. Good luck!

Categories