There's an app for that.

I'm a planner. I need a schedule, a task list, a goal to strive for on every run. So it made perfect sense to me to purchase a running app to help keep my training on task. I wanted one that tells me what to do, when to do it, what my daily goal is-- all of that fun stuff. The question is-- what app do I get?

I've used MapMyRun before, so I paid the extra $1.99 and downloaded the MapMyRun Trainer - half marathon training program. The program started out great- it let me pick the race start date, how many days I want to run a week, and set up a default training calendar that is editable as I get sick/injured/lazy. I go on my first run, and it asks to track my run using MapMyRun. All good. It even tells me when to walk and when to run (since I'm a beginner- technically). Now... I can't get a voice prompt without paying $2.99 extra a month. I can't get the program to let me flip songs without paying that same $2.99/month (I have to go "outside" of the app, open my music player, etc to do it). I'm frustrated, but I don't want to start over with a new app.

I started researching other iPhone apps that I could possibly use- for a reduced fee, of course, because I'm a cheap-ass.



Things I need:

• A voice coach to tell me when to jog/walk/haul ass.
• Music operation integrated into the app- because it's hard to flip to a different app mid-stride.

Things I want:

• Ability to sync with RunKeeper would be nice, since I've been using that (free) app for years. Of course, it'd be even better if RunKeeper would just give me the stuff I need.
• Or, in the alternative, the ability to sync with MyWithings- my electronic scale. I hate logging into my scale site and seeing that I haven't exercised. RunKeeper will sync my workouts to Withings, so the scale app doesn't yell at me as often. 
• A reasonable price- or at least give me what I pay for. 

Things I can do without:

• Motivational quotes and/or helpful hints. If I wanted the app's opinion on how I should feel 5 months out, I'll ask. Otherwise, the comments can be kept to itself.
• Auto posting to Facebook and Twitter. Sure there are some things I want to post because I want to prove my bad-assness to people at times, but I don't need the app automatically posting my distance/time/routes.

So I started researching apps. This may just require me to bust out some mad Excel skills so I can compare and contrast the apps. Of course, that may take me until race day to complete...

• The Detroit Marathon/Half Marathon partnered with Run Coach to develop an app to help prepare for the race.  It's personalized, has access to Olympic runners and coaches (via email) to ask questions to, helps train for the altitude of the race, and looks great. Pro: If I get sick/injured/miss a training day, the schedule automatically alters for me. Con: No voice coach, and WHOA $25 for the app.
• MapMyRun: This is what I've been using - until now. I have the Half-Marathon plan already downloaded for the $1.99, and I like that I can edit the schedule as needed. The voice coach, however, disappeared since the app was upgraded, and the only way I can get it back is by paying an extra $3/month. Same thing with the music. The race is in about 5-6 months, so that's an extra $18 I would need to pay for the app to continue working and fitting my needs.
• RunKeeper: I kind of use this program too (manually input workouts so my scale doesn't get angrier than it already is). Again, I downloaded the half-marathon plan (Free) but it's not customizable- so it set my race date for 16 weeks down the road. That's 4 months, folks, when in reality I have an extra 6 weeks or so of training I can accomplish. I can't adjust it! And, I can only get the voice coach for an extra $6.
• 21K Runner: It has the voice coach. There's no music intergration. AND, the app has the disclaimer of "you must be able to run a 10K before using this app." Nope. Pass.
• Zombies! Run! I don't know if this app will help me or not, but it seems awesome.
  

Thoughts? Ideas? Anyone want to make me a customizable app for free??

Detroit Free Press 2013 Half Marathon

The motto for this year's Detroit Free Press Marathon/Half Marathon/ Relay/ 5K is "You Can Do This!" While I appreciate the encouragement from the race organizers, I'm still panicking- especially because there is a freaking COUNTDOWN on their home page until the start of the race. We're looking at... 5 months, 25 days, 21 hours, 26 minutes and 2 ...1 second... you get the picture.

I'm really hoping that I can survive this run- especially since it looks like I'm doing this one alone (note: if you're reading this, PLEASE COME WITH ME!!). I can't sucker any of my running friends into doing this with me, and Jim just laughs and changes the subject when I ask him about it (fair enough- that's my reaction when he starts talking about molding).

Race organizers "strongly discourage" using headphones or personal listening devices during the race, but it's not prohibited. My iPhone will be strapped to my arm- and kept at a reasonable level, of course. How can you run without music?!

Also on the race's website, there is a section dedicated to what every person wants to know, "How long do I have to complete the race?" People, they have this paced out- if you can't keep up, you're toast- or at least told to hurry up, or have the race end on you before you cross the finish line. Now, for the half-marathon, they're giving us 4 hours. That's 3 miles an hour, or an 18-minute mile. I'm currently running my 2 miles in just over 20 minutes, at about a 11:30 mile. I think I should be ok, but again, that's only 2 miles. I have to keep up for 13 long-ass miles. There's a chart of what your time should be by landmark:

• At Mile 1.9 (Bridge Entrance)- hit it by 7:57 AM
• At Mile 4.1 (Bridge Exit) - hit it by 8:39 AM
• At Mile 6.9 (Tunnel Entrance)- hit it by 9:26 AM
• At Mile 8.1 (Tunnel Exit) - hit it by 9:52 AM
• At Mile 10.8 (Mexicantown)- hit it by 10:41 AM
• At Mile 13.1 (Finish Line)- hit it by 11:24 AM

 No pressure, just hit those landmarks by the assigned time, and all will be just peachy. Holy crap.

Last year's map, which is apparently the same for this year's course.

And as you continue reading the website, you learn or remember that the BRIDGE IS UPHILL- at least one way. And the tunnel entrance/exits are uphill, too.

Things that I've learned about the Ambassador Bridge that I could have done without knowing:

• The bridge is 7500 ft. long (1.43 miles long).
• The bridge rises to 152 ft. above the Detroit River.
• Throughout the span of the bridge, there is allegedly no more than a 5% grade at any given time. I say allegedly, because many past runners argue this and say that the grade has to be worse, as this portion of the run blows.
• Many runners say that you reach this part of the race as the sun is rising over the water, and it's the best view of the entire day. I hope I make it to the bridge before sunrise..!

Things about the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel I learned which surprised me a bit:

• The tunnel is 5160 ft long (just shy of a mile)
• At its lowest point, the tunnel is 45 ft under water.
• The tunnel is only 22 feet wide, so its going to be crowded as hell.
• There are 574 lights in the tunnel. I bet only half are working on race day.
• 1.5 million cubic feet of fresh air is pumped into the tunnel every minute. So that's a plus.
• My GPS will likely cut out during this portion of the run, which sucks. OK, this one didn't surprise me, as I've driven through the tunnel before, but it makes me a little frustrated.
• The only frequency that can be read in the tunnel is a Windsor AM station (CKLW 800), and a Detroit AM station (WJR 950). Both stations ran dedicated lines in the tunnel to ensure drivers could hear their stations. 
• The entrance/exits to the tunnel are cited as "very steep" and "worse than the bridge" in degree of grade and difficulty. Awesome.

In addition to training to run 13.1 miles, I have to train for periods of hills, crowds, and of course potholes- Detroit is famous for them. I'm not quite sure if I'm more excited or more scared of this course. 

20 months later

It's been way too long since my last post. Maybe I'm not the blogging type- I guess since I primarily do it for myself, my inconsistencies can be overlooked.

There has been some big changes in my life in the last 20 months:

• I'm 32, not pre-30 anymore. Maybe this blog should be renamed "32 and Yes, I'm Still Trying For 30 SO BACK OFF!?"
• I'm living with the greatest guy I could imagine, Jim. He's supportive, smart, and seriously handsome (he disagrees with the last one). The fact that he can put up with my bullshit (and my dog's constant need for attention) on a daily basis is a bonus.
• Jim has 3 kids who are 8, 6, and 4 years old respectively. I love those munchkins like they are my own, but I now totally understand how parents of kids are constantly tired and always busy. To all of my friends with kids - I understand, and I'm sorry for making fun of your 8pm bedtime.
• I started going to a body challenge class at the YMCA with an amazing trainer, Amy. The class kicks my ass, but I love it. I'm at 2 days a week for the spring/summer.
• I developed a love for Spin class. I even have the ugly shoes with Velcro. I'm actually sad that I couldn't find a Spin class to fit into my schedule this session. But the ugly shoes will be busted out again, I swear!
• I quit Weight Watchers. Again. With all of the new changes, I couldn't keep up! Instead, I've been tracking food and calories on MyFitness Pal, and (recently) using a heart rate monitor to better estimate calories burned during a workout. So far, so good. I miss some of the WW people, but they're still around for support if I need it!
• I've survived more injuries and illnesses- a huge welt to my leg (after running nonetheless), a broken ankle, a couple of bouts of strep throat, screwy elbows which led passing out and an ambulance ride- all of the usual things that happen to me.Thankfully certain people (AHEM) haven't let me completely lose focus.
• And-- I finished my first 8K last fall! I wanted to vomit afterwards but held it in. I was so proud of myself :-)

The one things that didn't change? My weight. Well ok, it changed slightly, but not enough to achieve the 30lb goal. And Amy says to quit focusing on the scale so much and start looking at my measurements- which have been steadily improving.

So I'm back, refreshed, refocused, and with an additional goal- complete the half marathon in Detroit this October. I've already signed up, paid, and ordered a training t-shirt. I'm committed.

 Whoa.

I still have a LOT of training to do to get ready, but 6 months should do it, right??

Jim thinks I'm nuts for wanting to run that far, but he's still rooting for me. I think he should run it with me. Even if he doesn't, having him around to check in on my workout schedule is wonderful.

So, in honor of my recent registration, I've decided to track it all- here- again.

I'm scared shitless. I can barely run 2 miles without getting winded, and now I'm planning on doing 13 miles?

Here goes nothing.