Figuring out distance...

[nj_likes]

After not having exercised in quite a while, I've decided to take up the Couch to 5K running program. I was just wondering, though, is there an easy/inexpensive way to figure out distance/pace?

I don't live near an outdoor track and don't have the money to spare for a gym membership, but I figure that's the beauty of taking up running...you don't need to! I plan on starting off walking/jogging around my subdivision and/or on a multi-use path nearby, but I'm terrible at estimating distances. How can I figure out when I'm reaching 1/8mi, 1/4mi, etc?

I know distance isn't necessarily all that important when starting out (esp for a beginner like me!) but my analytical side will be encouraged by knowing I'm making progress. Any advice you could give would be much appreciated!

[Biciclista]

how about Mapmyrun.com ?

[Pedal Wench]

Google maps, or hop in a car and map it out with the odometer?

[skhill]

I started out by using my bike computer and figuring out some 1/2 mile and 1 mile marks around my house, in different directions. And you could certainly do the same with a car's odometer.

These days I check milage with mapmyrun or www.gmap-pedometer.com

Enjoy!

[Kimmyt]

I use mapmyrun. View in the hybrid mode and you can see a satellite image overlaid with the street names, which is useful for when you're on sidewalk or a Multiuse trail which might not show up on a regular road map view.

K.

[Pan Dulce]

Google maps pedometer works well for me. When I used it, I figured out that running around my block was exactly .25 miles, which was helpful.

http://walking.about.com/library/walk/blgooglemap1.htm

[nj_likes]

Thanks everyone. It looks like mapmyrun is exactly what I was looking for. Kimmyt, thanks for the tip about hybrid view...I found the multi use path that way!

[OakLeaf]

One handy tip about mapmyrun - you can toggle "follow roads" off and on while creating a map. So you switch it off and zoom way in to follow the MUP, and then switch it on to more quickly map the roads you use to get there and back.

[Pedal Wench]

Oh! I forgot -- try out Plus3Network.com! You can enter your runs, get the mileage, AND earn money for charity. It would be perfect.