You would never guess by looking at me, but I used to be a runner. I completed the Steamtown Marathon in 2009 with my husband Tim. That was 2009 BC as in “before children” for us! Training for and running that race was a major variation from my normal desires and habits. We got inspired that year by the finale of The Biggest Loser when the last three contestants ran a marathon for their ultimate challenge. I remember thinking that if they could do it then so could I. So it became a sort of bucket list item for me.
I have been wanting to get back into running lately. A few of my mom friends ran a 5K in 2019 which inspired me again. They used what is known as a “couch to 5K” plan. These are basically a running coach on your mobile device. I downloaded an app called 5K Runner. I entered my age, height, weight, and current level of aerobic activity per week. Then the app generated a plan for me to run only three days a week getting up to five kilometers in about six weeks. You can find various apps with free or subscription services. Choose the one you like best and get started.
Most of the time I do not listen to music unless I’m in the car. I’m more of an audiobook and podcast person. Running is an exception. When we trained for the marathon, even though I was much younger and in better shape then, I still found that having a beat to drive my pace was essential. I didn’t save that playlist although now I wish I had for nostalgia’s sake. But it would be frightfully outdated with a few classics thrown in. Therefore it is necessary to build a Run in 2021 playlist for my upcoming 5K attempt.
According to healthline.com, new runners should plan for a 9-13 minute mile and can finish a 5K in 30-40 minutes. I’ve made this playlist a little over an hour so that we don’t run out of music before the finish line. Here is my list in my Amazon Music Prime app.
I hope you enjoy these resources and have a great season of trail running in 2021!
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Music is such a huge catalyst for my running. A lot of these are on my playlist as well. If you like Skillet you should check out Flyleaf.
Yes! I enjoy Flyleaf too. I should add a few of their songs to my playlist. I’m the same that music helps me keep going.
Thanks for reading and commenting!