I'm curious how those not involved in a formal running team or club go about training. Is there a specific app or program you use? How do you come up with and follow through on training plans?
I ran cross-country in high school. In my mid-thirties I picked running back up doing a C25K, then just kind of building endurance by increasing the distance. Eventually I found the Nike Run Club app and did it's half marathon training program, which I really enjoyed (I've actually done it three times now). Every week they give you two speed runs, two recovery runs, and a long run to do. All the runs are guided, which is nice having a voice in your ear telling you to run, stop/rest, how to change your effort, etc on speed runs.
Long term I'd like to run a marathon at least once. My other probably somewhat unrealistic goal is to run a sub 20 minute 5k, since I never could crack that barrier I'm high school. But I don't have a coach like I did back then, and Nike's programs are limited to the half and full marathon, so I'm at a bit of a loss of figuring out how to train.
Any thoughts, experiences, recommendations welcome!
This is not an endorsement, or recomendation, just starting my progression path. As a late club joiner, late onset runner. I started using free online training plans like Hal Higdon's novice plans for 1/2 marathons and marathons. My first goal was to finish a 1/2 marathon. Then a full. I graduated to using Training peaks w/ a purchased training plan from Joe Friel, sub 4:00, and then sub 3:30. From there I purchased Pete Pfitzinger advanced marathoning and faster road racing, and have done a few cycles of 18-55, and 12 55, and am now doing his half 12-63. I joined a club in 2021, but never really run with them, as I like to stick to my own traning plan, and am good with following a prescriptive plan.
The path I'd suggest for most runners, is consider joining a club, with similar minded runners, if you can, with a similar race goal in mind, and communally work towards that, if that's your thing. Otherwise, the free online plans can get you sub 3:30 no problem, if you put in the work, and can not over train, it's very important to listen to your body, and avoid creating chronic problems. you may not get fast, as fast, but you are a faster runner when running than when injured.
Once you get to a certain point you'll want to do more reading, and see which plans fit your prefered style of trianing, and lifestyle, borrow books from friends, or read them online, then mix it up.
New runner here, how does one find a run club?
Start with an internet search of "[your city] running clubs". Depending on the size of your city or town you should find at least a few groups. Go to their websites or social media pages and read up on them. Find out where they meet up for runs, reach out to the admins, introduce yourself, meet up and run! They'll probably have a range of pace groups for you to choose from and a predetermined route. You can just tag along, chat, and not have to worry too much about pace or turns.
Don't be afraid to try multiple groups until you feel like you've got one that you feel comfortable with.
Great advice, thank you!
Check local running stores, too. For instance, Fleet Feet often has fun runs and training programs for various distances.
Also says you have to be exclusive with your clubs, there are racing and social clubs, and local and global, try em all to see what fits you best.