At the time I was growing up, we didn't have apps, earbuds or armbands to help us train. Instead, my coaches (who competed professionally in the 60s) trained us the old fashioned way.

Since then, I have learned to embrace technology and use it to my advantage. Today, there are many techie tools available that will not only improve your performance as an athlete, but will make the journey more enjoyable in the process.

Which One Should You Choose?

1. You Need Data: If you get pleasure out of these words; distance, heart rate, pace, then the Garmin Forerunner 10 Watch might be the tool for you. There is nothing better than a GPS unit that can track just about anything.

2. You Need Tunes: If you can't imagine training without your tunes, then consider investing in some reliable ear buds. The Philips ActionFit Earbuds are durable, cheap ($40), and won’t fall out of your ears.

3. You Need Variety: If you get bored with technology after a few weeks, consider mixing it up by downloading different Apps. Running apps are a dime a dozen these days, so choose wisely. Couch-to-5K is easy to navigate, inspirational, and gives the support you need on your 5K journey.

There will never be a substitute for hard work, and if running was easy everyone would be doing it. I know firsthand that technology can be overwhelming, but it can also take out the guess work and make your training that much easier (and that much more enjoyable.)

*image sourced by Elements Global, Flickr

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