Runaway with RunKeeper
When I force myself to go out for a run I usually, like most people, carry my iPhone or iPod to keep me entertained. I think most would agree it helps keep the adrenaline pumping and takes your mind off the pain and burning that feels like you’ve ran a marathon when it’s only been 2 minutes. The finish line always seems a little closer when you’re shuffling through your favorite playlist. In addition of rocking out while I run, I have found a greater urge to increase my distance, shrink my time(s), and improve my leg kick: RunKeeper.
Before I stumbled onto RunKeeper, I explored the highly publicized Nike+ iPod Sport kit. I’m not taking anything away from the impressive app, I just couldn’t bring myself to pay the $29. I even own a pair of Nike kicks that is made for the kit!!! Just couldn’t pull the trigger.
I decided to give RunKeeper a shot as an alternative. They have a free version available, so why not? To this day, I’m still abusing the same free app. You don’t even have to be an everyday runner to enjoy this app. Even if you run once a month, you are still asking yourself the same questions as an everyday runner: “How far did I run and what was my time?” With RunKeeper, you’ll know this answer immediately plus your speed, map layout of run, and minutes per mile. It will also keep a log of all this information not only on your device, but will upload to RunKeeper’s website and break down all the information you need to know as soon as you end your run.
While you run, the GPS on your iPhone keeps record of your distance which in turn is able to produce some of these outputs. You are able to go online or view the map(s) on your device to show your path. In the past, this app wasn’t totally accurate but it has since bounced back with updates to heavily minimize these errors. Obviously, try to eliminate anything blocking you from the GPS signals if possible.
Along with other great features, my favorite would be the graph, shown below, that displays your elevation versus your speed. At any point you can hover over the graph and it will display the speed you were running at the specific point of elevation.
If you want to take your game to another level, there is RunKeeper Pro which carries additional features that the Nike+ kit also has. Although, you’ll save a little cash because RunKeeper Pro charges $10. Advantages of RunKeeper Pro: Create your own training workouts that alert you of distance intervals and time through your headphones; No advertising.
These are the main highlights that this app has to offer. A new version has been submitted to the App Store for approval that includes new features. The biggest change is being able to select a playlist through RunKeeper. As of now, you must get your music playing before you fire up the RunKeeper app. It does not matter if you run, walk, bike, hike, or ski. RunKeeper will help you easily record time and distance or go to the extreme of setting goals to help train for events.
Is RunKeeper as good as or better than the Nike+ kit? I can’t answer that. Is it a good alternative? Absolutely.
Visit RunKeepers website to learn more
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Are you *kidding* me with that elevation over 4.5 miles? I literally run up a single 100-foot hill on most mornings and feel like I want to die. (Granted, I’m pushing 50 pounds of stroller-plus-toddler, but still.)