I'm curious how those not involved in a formal running team or club go about training. Is there a specific app or program you use? How do you come up with and follow through on training plans?
I ran cross-country in high school. In my mid-thirties I picked running back up doing a C25K, then just kind of building endurance by increasing the distance. Eventually I found the Nike Run Club app and did it's half marathon training program, which I really enjoyed (I've actually done it three times now). Every week they give you two speed runs, two recovery runs, and a long run to do. All the runs are guided, which is nice having a voice in your ear telling you to run, stop/rest, how to change your effort, etc on speed runs.
Long term I'd like to run a marathon at least once. My other probably somewhat unrealistic goal is to run a sub 20 minute 5k, since I never could crack that barrier I'm high school. But I don't have a coach like I did back then, and Nike's programs are limited to the half and full marathon, so I'm at a bit of a loss of figuring out how to train.
Any thoughts, experiences, recommendations welcome!
Start with an internet search of "[your city] running clubs". Depending on the size of your city or town you should find at least a few groups. Go to their websites or social media pages and read up on them. Find out where they meet up for runs, reach out to the admins, introduce yourself, meet up and run! They'll probably have a range of pace groups for you to choose from and a predetermined route. You can just tag along, chat, and not have to worry too much about pace or turns.
Don't be afraid to try multiple groups until you feel like you've got one that you feel comfortable with.
Great advice, thank you!
Check local running stores, too. For instance, Fleet Feet often has fun runs and training programs for various distances.
Also says you have to be exclusive with your clubs, there are racing and social clubs, and local and global, try em all to see what fits you best.