Half Marathon Training: Favorite Apps

There are some people who are able to just go outside and run. They don't need music or podcasts- they just go. I have mad respect for those people because running without ear buds playing something to distract me is something I have not yet mastered. My phone was just as key in my half marathon training as my running shoes were. Okay, that's obviously a stretch, but you get the idea.

Map My Run

Parker introduced me to this app after using it in college, and I really love the features. I can see my pace and distance at all times of my run, which is great when you are trying to keep a solid pace. A voice comes on at each mile and tells you what mile you've reached, your overall time, your average pace per mile, and your split pace for that last mile. This feature is handy if your phone is in an arm band or not easily accessible. Regardless, you know you can count on an update at every mile. Another cool thing about Map My Run is you can use it to track all of your work-outs. If you do a circuit workout at the gym or go on a run without your phone, you can still upload it to your Map My Run account and see all of your work-outs for a given time period. Here's an image of the run summary I see at the end of each work-out (Yes, I ran 10 miles on a circular track. No, it wasn't exciting).

 

 

Pandora

 

I think almost all of us run to Pandora if you don't use a playlist on your phone, so this shouldn't be any big news. I liked Pandora vice a playlist on my phone because it kept me from having to listen to the same songs over and over again. I had several go-to stations that made running as enjoyable as it could have been.

• Katy Perry Radio: I'm a huge KP fan and like most of the music that comes on this station. 

• Disney Radio: Don't hate on it until you try it. As silly as it may sound, you haven't run until you've run to Hakuna Matata. Seriously, it's impossible not to run a little faster with a huge, goofy smile on your face.

• Casting Crowns Radio: Casting Crowns is a contemporary Christian band, and I probably listened to this station more than any other. This won't be for everyone, but I found worship music to be incredibly motivating while I was running. There is something about running a long distance to worship music and remembering just how blessed you really are. I loved it. 

source

Podcast

I didn't listen to a ton of Podcasts because I found I zoned out and got bored, but towards the beginning, Podcasts kept me thoroughly entertained. I am a Biggest Loser fan and think Jillian Michaels is a rock star, so I listened to the Jillian Michaels Show. They talked about work outs, health issues, and good foods to eat, and I liked it since I felt like it went hand in hand with the exercise I was doing.

source

 

Charity Miles

 

My little sister actually introduced me to this app. Charity Miles donates 10 cents per mile that you run to a charity that you select. They had about 20 options, and I always chose the Wounded Warrior Project. I just turned that app on at the beginning of my runs and stopped it at the end. For no extra effort, it's cool to know money is getting donated to a good cause while you're running. 

source

Those are the apps I found most helpful during my training. My iPhone went with me on every run!
What are your favorite training apps?

Spinach & Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Today I am excited to share one of my new favorite weeknight dinners: spinach & pesto turkey meatballs. These puppies are really easy to whip up if you're short on time, and they taste like something you would order at a gourmet restaurant. Not only are these meatballs are a huge crowd pleaser, but they are a super healthy way to mix up your dinner rotation.

Ingredients:

1 lb extra lean ground turkey

2 Tbsp minced garlic

1 cup Panko or Italian breadcrumbs (I ended up doing 1/2 cup of each because I had both on hand)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

1 box frozen spinach, thawed with excess water drained out

1/2 cup pesto

2 eggs

2 Tbsp milk

salt and pepper, to taste

2 Tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

spaghetti sauce for dipping, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic, Panko/breadcrumbs, cheese, spinach, pesto, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I use my hands to make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. 

3. Roll into balls the size of a golf ball and place on a lightly greased baking sheet lined with foil. 

4. Drizzle EVOO over all of the meatballs. 

5. Bake about 20 minutes or until brown and meat is cooked through. 

 

I served this with a side of spaghetti with spaghetti sauce and asparagus. Serve it with a salad to make it even healthier. We loved it!

 Enjoy!