On June 5, we celebrate Global Running Day. To mark this date, Apple Watch users can get a limited-edition award if they run at least 5 km (around 3,10 miles) this Wednesday. Apple promotes limited-edition awards almost monthly to help users engage in exercises to improve their health.
Running, for example, is one of the most popular activities that can be done anytime, anywhere. It has benefits like improved cardio fitness, a better mood, and stress relief. While many Apple Watch limited-edition awards can be achieved by exercising 20 to 30 minutes, this challenge might be one of the toughest if you’re still trying to get into your first 5K.
Thankfully, Apple Fitness+ and other apps can help you achieve this goal.
Here’s how Apple Fitness+ and other third-party apps can help you achieve your first 5K run
Apple Fitness Plus adds Time to Run in the winter update. Image source: Apple
I started running three years ago. I mixed many outdoor walking workouts with brief running periods during this process. Week by week, I increased the amount of time I spent on my running exercise until I could reach my first 5K.
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At the time, I relied on the popular fitness app Gentler Streak. With its Apple Watch app, I could get information about my walking/running workout and if I was pushing too hard. This data helped me understand if I was about to overreach, which could eventually lead to an injury.
Thankfully, Gentler Streak has been my daily driver for almost three years now, and I can proudly say I have never been injured by running. By now, I can do occasional 15K runs and still stay inside my Activity Path. Now, with its new 4.7 version, I can make the app a sports journal to add personal notes about my workouts. So nice.
Image source: José Adorno for BGR
But while the app is amazing at helping me understand if I’m overreaching, Apple has its own solution for those trying to finish their first 5K. If you are an Apple Fitness+ subscriber and own an Apple Watch, you can try the popular Time to Run workout.
Available under the Workout app, these Time to Run episodes feature motivational and energizing music and playlists curated by the Fitness+ trainers. During this audio experience workout, users can travel with trainers to popular cities. During the exercise, you’ll get details about the city, where the trainer is running, in addition to a curated playlist.
One of my favorite Time to Run episodes is from Rio de Janeiro, where Apple Fitness+ coach Sam Sanchez runs on Rio’s shore. We can see photos of her drinking coconut water and the city’s beauty.
Wrap up
Whether you’re a runner or you’re just starting your first steps, why don’t you go outside to celebrate Global Running Day and maybe finish your first 5K today?