Running any length of distance for a race requires a little bit of prep work. People who have never run before don’t wake up saying, “I think I’m going to go run a half-marathon this next weekend.” It just doesn’t happen. If you’re a runner, then you already know that training for even the shortest race requires a little bit of preparation, as well as some endurance-building. Training too hard and too fast can result in injury, and can set you back considerably more than if you just take it slow from the start.
Jeff Galloway is a running phenomenon, known for his Run-Walk-Run method of training. By breaking up runs into periods of running and walking, runners can train and reduce their likelihood for injury by switching the muscle groups required for both forms of movement. Running for too long can put too much stress on the knees, shins, and other parts of the leg, which can result in stress fractures, shin splints, or extreme fatigue. By training with the Run-Walk-Run method, participants will notice that they can improve their time and endurance without opening themselves up to the risks and problems associated with fatigue and injury.
When you combine Jeff Galloway’s Run-Walk-Run method with a helpful iPhone app, you know from the start that you’ve got a winning combination. There are so many apps out there that can help motivate runners, but when you combine the science and methods behind Jeff Galloway’s training program, you know the app is going to rock your socks off.
The Jeff Galloway Easy 5K iPhone app was created by Lolofit, a company that specializes in creating fitness-related apps for those who want to live healthier, more fit lifestyles. From cycling to ab work, Lolofit has some nice quality apps for fitness nuts. This Jeff Galloway app is one of the first ones that they released, and definitely one of the most extensive and intuitive.
When starting up the app, you have to set up your initial details. Enter in your physical information, as well as your running goals. The app will set up an appropriate Run-Walk-Run schedule for you that requires three workouts a week. The intervals between workouts is also a key to eliminating the risk of injury.
During your workouts, Jeff Galloway himself walks you through when you need to speed up and slow down. The app uses GPS location services on the iPhone, which allows it to better track your pace. You can use this app on a treadmill if you’d like, but I tested it out on the open road and not at the gym. Jeff Galloway will let you know when it’s time to run, walk, slow down, or speed up, and will guide you through the entire workout – just like having your own personal trainer and private coaching lesson!
The coolest part of the app, however, is the Beat Sync technology. The app comes with fifteen music tracks, and the Beat Sync will allow the music beat to match your pace. If you’re anything like me, a good fast beat will get me running faster without even realizing it, and the Beat Sync technology feeds off this psychological behavior. The beat will speed up in order to help you go faster, and will slow down when you need to pace yourself. You can even use music from your own library on your iPhone if you’d like, but I was unable to enjoy this due to the fact that all my music comes from a subscription service and is not saved onto my phone. However, the packaged music was perfect for getting me going!
This is a wonderful app for anyone who wants to get started running 5K, or for anyone who wants to improve their 5K pace. Lolofit also has a Jeff Galloway Easy 10K app, so there is a logical next step, and I hope they end up creating even more to encompass longer training runs, such as those necessary to complete a half marathon or a full marathon.
All in all, I give this app five stars, for being intuitive, well-designed, and easy to use. It’s a no-brainer app with amazing technology built into it to make it more than just a run tracker. The personal coaching and tips from Jeff Galloway throughout the workout makes time speed by, and the Beat Sync music abilities make this an all-around pretty awesome iPhone app.
Sara’s rating: 5/5!
jack foley 27 Jul 2012 @ 10:38 pm
great idea – anything that improves one self talk is imperative on a daily basis
Tony 22 Aug 2012 @ 6:28 pm
Can you run with a iPod touch 4g without wifi but still have GPS