Become an outdoor runner.

For the longest time I hated running outdoors anywhere. I never felt like I was getting any "better" at it, and I certainly never enjoyed it. Then, I downloaded the free Nike running app.

Whether you’re an accomplished runner or you’ve never ran outdoors before in your life,this gps-powered Nike app can help track your progress. It monitors your speed (highlights your route in green for your fastest speed and red for your slowest speed), has a pause button so you can take breaks, and even cheers at you when you reach your goal (which you can set yourself. Start at 1 mile and walk/jog as needed.)

This app keeps all your records so you can see how many miles you’ve logged total, what your fastest mile was, etc etc. By keeping a record of what you're actually doing--by quantifying your work--you can track progress. 

And for me, I love competing with myself-- the app gives you the option to beat your previous records --your fastest run, your longest, of your furthest distance. Sometimes I try to beat last week's total miles logged. 

You can also write notes on each run, link them with your Nike+ shoes, see an estimated amount of calories you burn, and share it via facebook. 

I used this app last year during vacation in Ocean Isle. We stayed in a condo right on the beach, and my first morning run I almost got lost. (All those condos look the same!) But, thank goodness, I just whipped out the Nike app and followed my trail back.

I started using this app religiously two years ago when the thought of running made me want to puke, and now I don’t run without it. 

My current average mile pace is just over 9 minutes a mile, and the distance I do each time is 5k (or 3.11 miles). I can finally do the entire thing without stopping. 

That's less than a half hour for an awesome cardio workout.

Try it out!