I have never been a great runner, but I do it because…well…I’m not good at it. When I decided that I was going to run more, I started by searching for an interval app that would help me ease into this whole process. Instead of getting on the treadmill and just going for it, I downloaded Run 5K and started the process of trying to become a “runner.”
Run 5K is an eight-week program that has you running three days a week for 20-30 minutes. Those 20-30 minutes consist of a 5-minute warmup, 5-minute cooldown and a series of different intervals that involve walking and running. There are both audio and visual cues telling you when its time to run or walk. The first week starts off super easy — warm up for 5 minutes, jog 45 seconds, walk 90 seconds, jog 45 seconds, walk 60 seconds and repeat 5 times. Each week you’ll run a little longer and walk a little less. The goal by the end of the whole thing is to be able to run a 5K (or 3.1 miles) straight without walking.
Run 5K is $2.99 and is also available in a 10K version. I highly recommend it for those of you who want to ease into the running thing and also like planned workout routines.