Newbie - route planning advice needed

[Sewjojo]

Hi, first post so feeling a bit nervous. I’ve recently graduated from C25K and have done a few consolidation runs. I’m feeling quite comfortable with running for 30 minutes and plan to start Ju Ju’s Magic Plan (the time one) next week. Just wondering how to plan routes for the increasing times/ distances - I’ve just moved house to a different part of the country so am not familiar with the area. I’d be grateful for any suggestions as I’m not very tech savvy. Thank you.

[CBDB Graduate10]

I think the best app that I discovered (through other runners on here) is the “footpath app” for smartphones. It lets you draw your route and give you mileage, km-age, height and all sorts of other things.

On graduating (both 5k and 10k) I mapped out a number of different routes that have served me well.

It’s free in general, but has some additional luxury functions behind a paywall.

Plus for us here in the UK is that the paid version has OS mapping, but at a lower price than OS app itself.

Footpath App

[Sewjojo in reply to CBDB]

Thank you for that info - I’ll give it a try. Looking forward to finding some good routes in the countryside now, after living on the outskirts of a city for the last 30 years.

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

I use plotaroute.comIt has a mobile or desktop version, allows you to draw a route on a view of a local map and shows your distance as you go .

You can also search other local routes on the site that other people have uploaded

[Sewjojo in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you - it looks like I’ve got a few to try. Hopefully, even a tech dinosaur like me will be able to figure them out 🤣

[backintime Graduate10]

I use this one

onthegomap.com/#/create

You can create the route, see elevation etc. I don't know if there is a smartphone version or not, I use it to work out routes on my pc before I go (well at the moment I'm on my treadmill because of the pollen, but I used to use it )

[Sewjojo in reply to backintime]

Thank you, looking forward to giving it a try.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I use Mapometer, simple and very visual... I use it in new areas... and tweak my saved routes on there too...

[Sewjojo in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you - with several different suggestions I should be able to find one that works for me. Looking forward to starting the new challenge.

[misswobble Graduate10]

congratulations 👍🏅

Running is a fab way of exploring your new area! Fan out in all directions from your house with “out and back runs”. You can check out the place on Google maps etc first if you wish. Or some such thing 🙂.

Seek out the local trails too. Exploring is fun but useful! 🙂 15 mins out and 15 mins back sounds a good starting point As you get fitter you expand your territory 🙂

I actually borrowed a big dog to recce new routes in the countryside that I wasn’t sure about 😀🐕

Have fun out there 😀👍

[Sybilw Graduate10]

I used to do like misswobble. Set out then turn at half distance. If you miss calculated then you either run on past your house or have a longer cool down walk. You’ll then find a favoured (in my case, flattest) route. Good luck.