Unsure how far I am running

[Lizzie_NewStart]

We have been increasing the days that we run on and now do about 30-40 minutes every day (depending on which of our shorter routes we take). Once a week we do a longer run which again we have been gradually increasing. We are now up to one an a quarter hours.

However, we are still in the dark as to how far we run. I have downloaded a couple of apps (Map my Run and Strava) but both seem to give odd results. It may be my phone that is the issue but I just want to check to see if others have the same issue (I don't want to have to buy a new phone).

What happens is that our run seems to be mapped correctly for a while following the route we took, then bits missed. At various points there are straight lines shown cutting off large chunks of our run. I assume we are losing GPS connection and not seeing certain areas. Some of the parts of the route are always OK, some are always missed, but other bits sometimes work and sometimes don't.

Are their other free apps that people use that they know are 100% reliable?

Thanks

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Unfortunately, all the apps suffer in the same way. They use your mobile phone to locate you. If you live in an area with bad GPS signal (like me!) you can get some strange results. My garmin is better but obviously that’s not an app. It’s a pain!

Just to check, do you mean you’re running 30/40 minutes every time you run or are you literally running every day? You’re doing brilliantly by the way! Did you know you can request a graduate 60 minutes running badge?

[Lizzie_NewStart 60minGraduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

We are now running nearly every day (6 and sometimes 7 days a week) . Most of those days we run for 30 to 40 mins. One of those days we do a long run which we are now up to 1 1/4 hours. I have just checked the route using Google maps with the Plot a Route feature recommended by nowster . The route came to 10,741 Meters, but I have just realised that is door-to-door so includes our 5 minute warmup and cool down walks (the hour and a quarter is just the running bit). I will try to work out the point we start and stop running but suspect that may take the running bit below the 10K.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Trees and hills can effect connection in some places using GPS, strange results can happen with people running across a lake and even on the sea at coastal areas, your phone is OK, just a poor signal.

[nowster Graduate10]

One way to work out your distance is to try to draw it on a map using something like Google Maps or Plot a Route.

The gaps in your GPS coverage are more likely to be caused by your phone rather than by the app you're using on it. Where do you stow your phone during a run? Does your phone have a case on it? Does the case have metal in it?

[Lizzie_NewStart 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

Thanks, I never knew about the Plot a route on Google maps. I just worked out the last route we did and it was 10,741 Meters (1 1/4 hours). so I am running over 10K, I can hardly believe it. I am going to work out all my routes now, I am hooked. 😍

My phone is in a neoprene armband. I have to take it out of the wallet case I normally use so that it fits so think its got the best chance of getting a signal that I can give it.

Edit... Just realised, that was a door-to-door distance, not the running distance. that probably means my run is less that 10K, bit sad now but will check.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

MissUnderstanding has given you the info.. GPS can be a pain... and in and out and all sorts in between... missing bits, adding bits and linked with Strava.

I have had some of the slowest runs ever, and in contrast, one kilometer, run faster than Mo Farah!

You are doing so well, regardless !

[damienair Administrator]

GPS watches are great for tracking your runs and measuring distance, pace and time etc. I have a very basic Garmin Forerunner 35 watch since 2018 which is still going strong. Have a look on eBay, you can pick up second hand watches for good value. A Garmin Forerunner 35 can be picked up on eBay for as little as £30 and you can also buy replacement wrist straps too. It will link to your phone and you can download your runs onto Garmin Connect and Strava.

[drl212 Graduate10]

Yes, most likely a GPS/tech gremlin causing the issue.

I use a Garmin and sometimes the Nike running app at the same time. They are usually quite close. Maybe give it a try. But as others mention all sorts of things can interfere.

When did you start running? Congrats on hitting 10K. I’m training for the Vitality 10000 and have hit 10K twice in my training runs. So well done to you!!!

[Lizzie_NewStart 60minGraduate in reply to drl212]

I initially started the C25K June last year but then managed to sprain my ankle quite badly whilst out walking my dog. I think I was at week 3 when it happened. When I restarted a couple on months later it seemed a bit easier but my boyfriend started too so we sort of spurred each other on.

I think I may have jumped the gun a bit when claiming a 10K run. I measured the distance from door-to-door but forgot that there was a five minute walk each end that we are not actually running. I recon its only a few meters off but will try to work out on the map where we start our run from and recalculate. Its something to aim for now as we must be so close.