South Mag South Issue 71 | Page 64

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT SERIOUS RUNNERS RELY ON THEIR TRUSTY GPS WATCH TO CHART THEIR PATH, AND MOST WEEKEND WARRIORS WEAR A FITNESS TRACKER THESE DAYS, BUT DON’T WORRY IF YOU’RE NOT ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR – AND USEFUL – APPS FOR RUNNERS. COUCH TO 5K (C25K) The ultimate app for beginners will do just what it says – take you from couch potato to running a 5K in just two months. No joke. The app prompts you to walk and run in intervals, beginning with a lot more walking than running, and gradually eases you into a harder workout. Follow the prompts and you won’t overdo it. Stay with the program and you’ll be ready to race in nine weeks. RUNKEEPER/RUNTASTIC/ MAYMYRUN/STRAVA There’s no shortage of apps that will help you log your miles, track your pace, and note your estimated heart rate, calories burned, and other metrics. Some even connect to trackers built into your shoes (UnderArmour has a partnership with MapMyRun and Nike has its own app) while others simply use the GPS function of your smartphone. Try out a couple and find the one that suits you best. ZOMBIES, RUN! OK, you’ve tried running, but you just can’t find the intrinsic motivation to get up and go, especially when you’d rather re-watch last week’s episode of The Walking Dead. Say no more. Zombies, Run! adds some motivation by putting you in the middle of a zombie drama complete with creepy sound effects that will get you moving to try to protect your “BRAINS!” and complete your mission. MEETUP Some runners like to go it alone, while others enjoy running with a group. If you’re in it for the social aspect as much as the fitness, you can find workout partners and organized group runs in your area using Meetup. For example, one Savannah group has a recurring “Taco Tuesday” run followed by drinks and tacos. If that won’t entice you to lace up, you might be a lost cause. (32.0888° N, 81.0990° W) N 32° 02'24.0" 64 S OUT H M AGA ZI NE.C OM