Using the Internet to Become a Runner

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By Sheer Balance / www.divinecaroline.com

Running is hard. But it can also be a great way to de-stress and get fit.

Maybe you’ve never been a runner, but would like to try it out. Maybe you are a seasoned runner, who just needs some encouragement to work through those winter doldrums. Wherever you fall in that spectrum, I’ve found some applications online that will help you get moving. I’ve also included a list of songs on my Zune that help me keep my pace and my motivation going during a run.

*Before you start a running program, look for articles on how to dress appropriately and how to get started. If you do it incorrectly, you’ll hate it.

DailyMile: This site has been a huge encouragement for me as I train for half and full marathons. You can friend other runners, send encouragement to runners who are struggling, record your workouts and distances, look for races … that it just for starters. I’ve placed a widget on my personal blog as a reminder. I know it’s out there for everyone to see. And you can set your updates to automatically post to Twitter.

RunKeeper: Have an iPhone? This application can be downloaded right onto your phone to keep track of your run. A free version is available. Paid version doesn’t show ads. Sadly, I have no iPhone, so I haven’t been able to try it out for myself.

FavoriteRun: Map your runs right on the page and print them out. Then track your mileage, pace, and times. You can save routes for others to try.

Runner’s Diary: I am motivated best when I know that others are able to see when I’m slacking. But if you want to keep your training more private, try Runner’s Diary. It creates various tables for you to track yourself: e.g. average heart rate, calories burned, mileage. There is even a chart that will track the mileage on your shoes, so you know when to retire the ones you have and purchase new ones.

What I currently listen to during a run:
Barenaked Ladies:
Easy
One Week
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Cake:
The Distance
Short Skirt/Long Jacket

David Crowder Band:
Can You Feel It?
We Won’t Be Quiet

The English Beat:
Mirror in the Bathroom

Feist:
SeaLion

Gnarls Barkley:
Run
Gone Daddy Gone
Crazy

Kings of Leon:
Sex on Fire

Lucious Jackson:
Naked Eye

Newsboys:
Spirit Thing

Sara Groves:
Esther

Tobymac:
Getaway Car

U2:
Vertigo

Do you have a site that you have used that helps keep you motivated with your runs? Share them in the comments. And feel free to share your favorite running song.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.