Nike Run Club
Unsponsored Recommendation #1
How often do you run? For me, it’s typically been an annual tradition. Zero training all year long leading up to my yearly 5K. Not the healthiest routine, that’s for sure. Race day would arrive, and I would give it my all. And for the next week, my legs would pay the price.
Both of my parents are avid runners, logging dozens of miles per week and encouraging me to do the same. I grew up running 5Ks with them. But I’ve often struggled to muster up the devotion needed to run regularly. I would always start running for a few weeks, get tired, and slowly peter out. At least, until now.
Enter: Nike Run Club. To call this app life-changing might be an overstatement, but it’s helped my running. I first discovered the app during one of my short-lived running spurts, back in 2020.
A couple of months ago, my mom announced that she signed up for a half-marathon in March. She tentatively asked if I wanted to participate, assured that I would say no. I thought about it for about a month; a few weeks later, my friend who recently moved to New York posed an intriguing question: “Would you want to run in the New York Marathon this fall if you move here?” Mind you, this is coming from a person who’s also never run a half-marathon, let alone a marathon, especially one as prestigious as the New York Marathon. Again, she probably expected me to decline.
Later that day, I responded yes to both parties. Then the training began. As I mentioned, I had previously dabbled in Nike Run Club. It had guided runs that helped me pace myself. But in my opinion, the detailed training plans are its most valuable resource. Simply select what distance you are training for, as well as the race date, and Nike Run Club does the rest. It creates an in-depth training regiment, walking (technically running) you through day-by-day, week-by-week. For each run, users can choose to complete a guided or non-guided workout. And it’s all free.
So far, it’s been fantastic. My first-ever half-marathon is three weeks away, and I’m feeling better than ever. My mom will probably beat me- she’s really fast. But I’ll keep you updated on how it goes. In the meantime, check out Nike Run Club; I promise you won’t regret it.