u/Cwillyzpyro

I'm new to running, but above average fitness level, and I started a training program for a half marathon in October (21 weeks). Based off a run I did Saturday, today was supposed to be an easy run and runna wanted me to try and pace 13:20. I tried to slow down but ended up pacing at 12:08 for 2.75 mi run, but it still felt like an easy run, was singing words to songs.

Tomorrow is a tempo run and it wants me to warm up @ 13:20 pace, than do 2 sets of .5 mi @ 12:25 and .5 @ 11:55. Which is a little confusing for me since my avg pace is 11-12:00~. Should I kick it into gear slightly more for first set than try to go more for second? Or really try tomorrow to do the warm up @ 13:20 until the sets?

My plan is to take the difference from the warmup and sets than apply that to my actual pace?

Thanks for your guys' knowledge!

Hey reddit,

Little back story, I'm an active male in my early 30s. Rock climbing is my main hobby but recently I made a decision to take a break due to some things hindering my progression and mental clarity when leading. I've ran here and there in my life, and overall pretty average to a bit above average fitness .

With the break from climbing I decided to jump into running. I live in a runners mountain town with amazing access to trail running. Last night I went on a run with my dog and had a great time in my new shoes. I knew I did it right this morning by absolute no knee, hip, ankle pain. After my run I did stretch out my legs and could definitely feel it there. My run last night I tried to stand tall, keep arms at a 90° with minimal crossing of chest, keeping hips forward and try to relax my shoulders. Took a few stop and go breaks, more towards the end of the run which is why I think my 12.5 min place is that.

TLDR: I come to you guys with a few questions and looking for advice.

how crucial are rest days while beginning? I would love to go for a run today but don't want to do more harm
with being above average fitness ability, c25k really doesn't fit for me I believe. I would love to run a trail running race at some point of time but I don't know what "program" I should look into. Which leads into my third question.
what 100% free apps do you recommend for training. Runna is membership to create a program, strava premium is the meat of the app, kiprun pacer seems like a good idea but I need a "goal" or race to begin. And I don't have neither, and that leads into my last question
What size of trail running race would be an achievable goal if I was able to do a 5k day 1? 10k? Idk. I do know high elevation runs(14ers for an example) would be a great ability to have.

I plan on just having fun but I would like to find a program or goal to keep motivation and stoke high

Thank you all!

First week in a training program, few questions.

First run yesterday, looking for advice in some areas