Hands free leash for runners & walkers and a cool training program for your smartphone.

I have recently started running as a result of a challenge by my sister (a half marathoner) made to me on July 4th. The challenge is that I run a half marathon with her by next July 4th. Me being the competitve person that I am said, "your on sister!". Of course the next day I thought "what the H E Double toothpicks were you thinking, Nina?" But a challenge is a challenge and no way am I backing down from a challenge from my younger sister. So I joined a local running group and started training for my first 5K. I knew I had to run at least 3 times a week but our group only met 1 day a week.

In comes the smartphone... After looking at several "couch to 5K" iPhone apps I settled on Jeff Galloway's Ultimate 5K. He uses walk/run intervals to help increase distance and endurance. I am training doing 30/30 (30 seconds running - 30 seconds walking). I am happy to say that I ran my first 5K on Sept. 8 and ran/walked it in 36 mins.

I am running another 5K on Oct 8 and this one is dog friendly. I have been training with Harlow so she can run with me next weekend. The problem though is trying to run with a regular leash; it throws off my balance a bit holding the leash in one hand and a water bottle in the other. So off to Amazon (via the DK link) for some shopping. I found a great hands free leash. Not only does it free up my leash hand but it has a pouch for holding my keys and poo bags, as well as a loop to hold my water bottle. Now both my hands are free and Harlow & I are enjoying the exercise we are getting.

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Permalink Reply by Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty on October 3, 2011 at 6:16am

You should consider joining a 'Learn to Run" clinic at the Running Room. It's a great motivational program. They build you up from 1min run/2min walk to 10 min run and 1 min walk over the course of the clinic. It's tough but it's awesome to feel your body adapting. I did it, then I took a 5km clinic, then a 10km clinic last year. It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot from the weekly workshops. This year I sort of let myself go, but have started up again this fall.

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Permalink Reply by Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey on October 3, 2011 at 11:47pm

I checked ou the Learn to Run clinic at the Running Room. Unfortunately they do not have shop in the Atlanta area. So instead I joined a local Jeff Galloway running group that is doing half marathon training. I joined just in time as their 4th quarter kickoff was last night. The group meets twice a week. There are lots of nice folks and some great group leaders. All of which will ensure that I keep running. Thanks for posting your suggestion; now that I have a structured group to run with twice a week I know that I willl continue to run. It is so much more fun to run with others than just by yourself.

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Permalink Reply by Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty on October 2, 2011 at 6:08pm

This is perfect for Winston! Thanks Nina, and congrats on the 5km. I ran one a couple weeks ago, and am signed up for a 8km at the end of October. I am so far behind in my training!