SMS service provider Esendex has teamed up with event organiser Nova International to offer training packages for runners that work by text message. The first service of its kind in the UK safely prepares people for running events by giving them access to personalised training plans via SMS, email and the web.
Nova specialises in organising mass participation sporting events under the Great Run banner, such as the Great North Run. Using Esendexs two-way SMS Service, experts have compiled a minimum recommended 16-week training programme, which can work purely on communication directly to and from a mobile phone. 
Budding runners register for the service in the training room on the Great Run website, and, after completing a training session, the runner texts Felt, along with Great, Bad or OK to the shortcode 60066. On receiving the runners feedback, Nova then sends a confirmation text detailing the next stage of their programme. Each week the computer system analyses every plan and session to offer a new training schedule for the week ahead, depending on the feedback received.
Great Run worked with Olympic coaches to gain professional advice for the programme, which is available for 5k, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon, and marathon distances, and for general fitness. Each programme is targeted at beginners, and, the company says, can train someone from a non-runner into a race finisher.
Esendex provides us with the easiest and simplest way to communicate to our audience, says 
Nova Internationals Chris Kewin. The service works across all mobiles, which is great, as it means people are more inclined to sign up and also keep it up. Weve had a fantastic response to the service so farIts all about showing people how easy fitness can be and showing them how to enter a competition safely.