What you use may depend upon which stats you want…

• Pace
• Distance
• Cadence
• Heart Rate
• VO Max

Here are FIVE popular options to track your running progress:

1. Garmin Connect

2. Strava

3. Runkeeper 

4. MapMy Run

5. RunAnalyze

On daily runs, I sometimes use the Runkeeper app on my Apple watch.

I use it to set up run/walk interval runs. It shows me the distance and the pace.  That’s enough for me and I usually delete the stats afterward.

For races, I wear my Garmin watch and sync my stats to Strava.

My Garmin syncs to an app on my iPhone (and Garmin Connect).  It shows me the distance, elevation, pace, cadence for each race.

The app also syncs to Strava.  It shows me the same info but it also adds social interaction.  And I can add photos. So I can share my stats with other runners and follow them, as well.

Happy Running! What do you use to track your running progress? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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If you training for a big race: a half marathon, a full marathon or an ultra, it is tempting to skip races during your training cycle so you can complete all the weekend runs on your plan.

If you are not training, you also may feel that there’s no reason to race.  You can just run for fun on the weekend.

Here are my Five Reasons to Race Often:

1. Races are more fun.

Running is supposed to be fun, right?

I don’t know about you, but I rarely have fun during my weekend runs. I get them done. Period.

The atmosphere before a race is inspiring and the feeling of accomplishment after a race is addicting.

2. It’s a speed drill in disguise.

Even if you say that the race only a training run or  you don’t care about your pace, most likely the enthusiasm and crowd support will have you running faster in a race than in your weekend run.

3. Free water stops, porta-potties and post-run refreshments.

Ok, not free because you have to pay to run the race but you know what I mean.

It’s welcomed support before, during and/or after your run.

4. You can practice race pace.

You may often run your weekend runs too fast or too slow.

Obviously it’s easier to practice “race pace” in a race.

5.You connect with other runners and make new friends..

When I first started running, I had no running friends so I would race on the weekends.

Now I do have friends to run with on the weekend but I always enjoy meeting new runners.

Happy Running! Do you ever use a race as a training run? Do you race often? Why or why not? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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It’s

Here’s what I find UNLUCKY at a race:

1. Rain.

I guess I’m a fair weather runner.  But seriously. My favorite part of a race is before and after. Rain just puts a damper on that.

2. A Course short on water stops or runs out of water.

Obviously I never carry my own water so I depend on them especially when it is warm.

3. A Course that is Long.

Nobody wants to run extra distance and it messes up your race pace.

4. A Course that is not marked clearly or short on course marshals.

No excuse.

5. Injury or pain.

Injury is the worst but a cramp or a blister… UGH!!

huge blister after this wet one

Happy Running! What are some things you find unlucky at a race? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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This week’s topic is: What are 5 Things That Are Essential to Your Fitness Routine (and 1 you skip):

Here are my Must Haves:

1. A Goal

IOW, my “WHY.”

It could be very simple such as fresh air, clear my head, de-stress, prepare for a race, build arm strength, socialize…

2. Food

I always eat breakfast before I work out or run.

oatmeal & coffee!!

And I always reward myself after.

3. Variety

I rarely run the same route two days in a row.

I’m limited at the gym to the machines I use but I do them in a different order.

4. Enjoyment

If it’s not fun, why do it?

Realistically, some parts of my routine are not fun but I just focus on what was good about it… and enjoy that.

finishing?

5. Matching Outfit

It may sound silly but I can’t just throw on whatever and go to the gym or for a run.

I plan my outfits and they must match!

What do I skip?

Warm ups and cool downs.

Yup, I get out of my car and go. I finish and get back in my car.

Hydration!

I rarely drink water…. (unless it is very HOT/humid) or in a race).

Happy Running! What are some essentials to your fitness routine and what do you skip? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.