New app? App-tastic
29.11.11
30 min sprint run, using Bupa Smart Runner
Route: Down to Hackney Marshes and around
Listening to: Annie Mac 2010
Pre-marathon training training (PMTT)
Today's run was waaaaaay better than my last run. I was trying out a new app and it proved to be a joy to use! I cannot recommend Bupa's Smart Runner enough. People advise bringing interval training and sprint runs into any training plan to build fitness, it also adds variety to what can sometimes become a repetitive schedule. There aren't many decent interval training apps out there and I'm way too technologically dependent to look at my watch and time intervals myself.
The run I chose today was a 30 min Sprint run. This involved a 5 min jog, followed by 5 mins of stretching followed by 15 mins of reps, then 3min walk, followed by 2 mins of stretching. I ignored the walk bit and just jogged home (approx 5 mins). The interval reps involve running at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% for different lengths of time. You choose beginner, intermediate or advanced level and it promises to change the reps every time you run. It really made my running more fun this morning, and I loved pushing myself and then recovering, and I even felt I learnt more about my running.
Another absolute plus, is that you can choose an album, rather than a playlist (which offers a lot more of a musical selection than my beloved Nike +). It has other features too, like strength training, which mixes up cross-training into your runs, and hill training. It logs your runs, and they are easily publishable to twitter, fb and email. You can also log niggles and find your nearest physio. It even has videos that show stretches and how to avoid specific injuries. If you have a question, you can ask an expert via their facebook page, that's if it isn't found on FAQs section. And the best thing about this app - it's FREE!! Definitely worth downloading!