Resources

The following are just a sampling of the items, sites, gadgets, etc. that I have utilized in my journey from couch potato to (sorta) runner.  I am using (or used) all of these and recommend them.  The usual disclaimer, of course, is before you utilize any of these resources that involve any sort of exercise program see your doctor first.  Don’t be stubborn.  Full disclosure, some of these links are affiliate links and I get I few pennies if you partake in the items.

Books

• Running for Mortals: A Commonsense Plan for Changing Your Life With Running The book that got it all started for me.  Excellent source for those just starting out.  Includes easy to follow training programs for a variety of distances and experience levels.
• Marathoning for Mortals Like Running for Mortals, an excellent source for first time long distance runners.  Provides the structure for an achievable training program as well as lengthy tips for properly preparing.
• The Abs Diet The cornerstone of my nutritional plan.  The book that convinced me Weight Watchers or Atkins wasn’t the key to me losing weight.  True health is in WHAT you eat.

Running/Fitness Logs

• Runningahead.com My favorite site for keeping my running log.  Keep track of runs in exquisite detail including times, distance, temperature, even map your route.  You can even keep track of how many miles you’ve logged on your current pair of shoes.  The best part?  It’s free!
• Livestrong.com Also has a great fitness tracker as well as a huge database of user submitted “loops” which are routes for running, walking, and cycling.  I use it for tracking my food, though.  It has a gigantic database of foods.  Once again, the basic package is free.