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You can view routes other people have made in your area, and plot your own routes for mileage. I use this when selecting new routes (I generally start with something already posted and modify it slightly). If you want to keep track of your runs over time, make a simple notebook or speadsheet. You'd be better off spending the GPS money on a good pair of shoes, some running shorts (I like Nike Fit Dry ones which cost around $20 at Academy), socks (real running socks are amazing compared to normal ones), and some shirts. As another poster said...stay away from cotton. Running in general is a very cheap hobby, unless you run a lot of races and have to pay a lot in entry fees.
I don't think you'll have a problem walking the Austin half marathon if you can already run a 5k. The course is a bit hilly, but not horrible. I ran it this past February, and was currently training for the 2009 full Austin marathon, but overdid it and injured a tendon - and probably will have to run the half again this year. Lesson learned - don't overtrain.
The Nike Plus shoe sensor kit is $30, and you just get a pod-holder to attach to any shoe - don't need the Nike shoes. It logs all your runs, speeds, distance and calories via your account at http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/.
The website has mapping and you can see other people's running maps too.
PS Running in the cold is fine - you may need gloves and headband, but within 10 minutes you'll be warm. I ran this morning, it was -1c It made me run faster!!!
When it is really chilly in the morning, I make sure to run a "there and back" rather than a loop route. That way I can discard my headband, gloves or top fleece if I get warm and pick them up on the return. I buy cheap black mittens at the dollar store because I hate cold hands starting out, but hate even more hot hands. When I take off my mittens and stuff them in the back of my waist band, I often lose one!
TT, you can also use mapmyfitness.com. My son and I have both used this site for years. We both run halfs, and are regular "neighborhood" runners. It helps that we have lots of runners in our neighborhood, so it's a very popular thing here, even with the younger generation.
My son has a forerunner, and loves it. He's into "time" though, I'm not. At my age, I'm just into finishing! I do enjoy it though. I've had to take a slight break, which is just killing me, as I have an abductor muscle that has somehow sustained an injury (2 years ago I think - but I've no idea how) and it comes and goes, but has never really stopped me from running. I went to NYC last weekend and walked my tail off, and came back almost limping. So...I have to make myself take some time off. It's VERY hard to do...but I just have to do it.
TT, you can also use mapmyfitness.com. My son and I have both used this site for years. We both run halfs, and are regular "neighborhood" runners. It helps that we have lots of runners in our neighborhood, so it's a very popular thing here, even with the younger generation.
My son has a forerunner, and loves it. He's into "time" though, I'm not. At my age, I'm just into finishing! I do enjoy it though. I've had to take a slight break, which is just killing me, as I have an abductor muscle that has somehow sustained an injury (2 years ago I think - but I've no idea how) and it comes and goes, but has never really stopped me from running. I went to NYC last weekend and walked my tail off, and came back almost limping. So...I have to make myself take some time off. It's VERY hard to do...but I just have to do it.
Thanks CM. I'm actually quite excited at the thought of being able to finish a half marathon, even though I can't run a mile without stopping at the moment. I remember when I first started running on a treadmill a couple years ago it didn't take too long to work up to running for longer stretches of time without a break. Unfortunately life interfered with the exercise (poor excuse I know) and I'm back to being in not very good shape.
I've found the good websites that list all the races around town over the next year and will try to do as many as I can, working up from 5K, to 10K, to 10 miles and finally to the half marathon.
I'm having an MRI on my foot next week because it's been hurting for almost two months (x-rays were negative) and until I get the results, I don't want to push it.
I ran my first half in March 2008 and am running another one in March, 2009. I would suggest finding some shorter distance races to use a short term goals over the next few months. Start with a 5K (3 miles) then shoot for a 10K (6 miles). Participating in some of these shorter races helps you work toward your goal and also helps you prepare for the big race day. You'll have more confidence about race morning if you have done some other races first.
This is good advice. Being a part of a shorter running event can really help motivate you to run longer distances. If you succeed in running a 5K or 10K and you feel good about your run, I can almost guarantee that two hours after the race you will be thinking about running a longer distance.
Thanks CM. I'm actually quite excited at the thought of being able to finish a half marathon, even though I can't run a mile without stopping at the moment. I remember when I first started running on a treadmill a couple years ago it didn't take too long to work up to running for longer stretches of time without a break. Unfortunately life interfered with the exercise (poor excuse I know) and I'm back to being in not very good shape.
I've found the good websites that list all the races around town over the next year and will try to do as many as I can, working up from 5K, to 10K, to 10 miles and finally to the half marathon.
I'm having an MRI on my foot next week because it's been hurting for almost two months (x-rays were negative) and until I get the results, I don't want to push it.
Hopefully the rest will do your leg some good.
Thanks. Hope your foot is okay too! Did you injure it??
Also, if you haven't already, check out Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan . This is a great starter program, I know many many people that began their running using it.
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It made me run faster!!!
I do enjoy it though. I've had to take a slight break, which is just killing me, as I have an abductor muscle that has somehow sustained an injury (2 years ago I think - but I've no idea how) and it comes and goes, but has never really stopped me from running. I went to NYC last weekend and walked my tail off, and came back almost limping. 
So...I have to make myself take some time off. It's VERY hard to do...but I just have to do it. 
