Apps She Buys: RunKeeper

So if you haven't noticed, I'm on a bit of a running kick lately.  
While I run, I use an app called RunKeeper to track my runs. I LOVE it!
It does everything I need it to do and more.

It's not just for running though. It comes in handy while hiking, biking, walking, skiing, snowboarding, and anything else you want to log your activity on.

It uses the GPS in your phone to track your route, time how fast you go,

I even use it for when I'm at the gym on the treadmill or the elliptical. While the GPS features doesn't help much for this, the app allows me to manually enter my information so I can still keep it logged.

RunKeeper has you register an account so that it can help track your activities. To register, you can visit their website at: http://runkeeper.com/ or do it right on the app. 

Compatible with the iPhone and Android.
Price: FREE.

Where to get it:
Apple: App Store
Android: Android App Market

Website: http://runkeeper.com/

While they used to have 2 versions, a lite and a pro version, they have combined it into just one great app and made it free. Even if they did charge, I would happily pay.

Salt Lake Running Company Running & Training Group

Photo by Flickr user mikebaird

I mentioned that I was a recent convert to running.

I spontaneously signed up for a 5K back in the fall and trained for 2 weeks and went for it.

I enjoyed it so much that when I saw an ad for a Half Marathon training group through Salt Lake Running Company, I signed up.


Yes, I know it's crazy to go from nothing, to a 5K, to a half marathon.
I did it though.
Not only did I finish, I shaved off a minute on my personal pace.
I enjoyed it so much, I have signed up for a full marathon and will start training very soon.

The training group through Salt Lake Running Company was a huge help. Since my friends either don't run or they just finished running the Boston Marathon I needed to find someone more in my skill level to run with.

For $49, I received a 12-week training schedule, weekly runs with a group, a nice shirt, and weekly tips and tricks on everything from nutrition, stretching, and how to deal with pre-race jitters. I was able to go at my own pace and found others in my same skill range.  Paying for the training group also made it so I was committed and accountable. The training was meant to get us ready for the Salt Lake Half Marathon and it did just that.

To get ready for fall races, may I recommend their running training group programs, starting up May 16th. They have one for half marathons and another for full marathons. You can find out more information and sign up on their website at: http://saltlakerunningco.com.

If you're not in Utah, I'm sure there are similar running and training groups in your area. If you've been wanting to take your running and training to the next level, these groups can help. Go ahead, do it! You will be so proud of yourself as you cross that finish line!
Happy Training & Happy Running!

My Running Tunes

Photo by Aaron Armono

I'm a recent convert to running. 

I've decided that the music I listen to while running makes a huge difference and I'm always on the lookout for upbeat songs that help me keep going. 

That said, here's my current top 10 running songs that kicked me off in my very first half marathon:

(The links will take you to Amazon.com where you can hear a sample of each song)

Paint It, Black by the Rolling Stones
Basketcase by Green Day
I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
Into The Night by Santana featuring Chad Kroeger
Message In A Bottle by The Police
Dynamite by Taio Cruz
Higher by Taio Cruz
DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love by Usher featuring Pitbull
Jai Ho by A.R. Rahman from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack
Thnks fr th Mmrs (Thanks for the Memories) by Fall Out Boy

I'd love to hear what your top ten running songs are. Please share.

Skullcandy Ink'd earbuds

Photo by Paul Frank

If you haven't discovered skullcandy headphones, you are truly missing out.

The default white ones that came with my ipod just sucked. They hurt, they would fall out of my ears, and the sound just wasn't cutting it.

While browsing at FYE, I stumbled across Skullcandy's Ink'd earbuds. They had some on clearance and I thought, what the heck, I'll give them a go. My friends, I have never looked back.

Features I Love:
Comfort - They actually fit. This was the first thing I noticed. I can wear them all day long and they never hurt. They have silicon gel buds that form to your ear. Genius.
Noise Cancellation - They work wonders. Never have I been able to tune the world out better.
Stay Put - They don't fall out when I walk, run, or dance like a fool in my living room.
Sound - My tunes have never sounded better.
Cool - They just look cool. Several colors and styles to choose from.
Durable - I'm rough on them and my first pair lasted about a year.

Skullcandy headphones not only make you look good, they sound great. The Ink'd earbuds are just the beginning. They have other options that just keep getting better and better.

Price: Normally $19.99

Deals:
RetailMeNot.com has a coupon code for skullcandy that is 40% off your entire purchase on their online store. Type in "whatisbrown" at check out and you'll be good to go. Not sure how long this will last, so check it out.

Amazon.com: $10.75 - $12.00.
Best Buy: $12.99