Running apps

[jellybean87]

What running apps do you all use? I currently use runtracker but wondered if there was a better one out there. I sometimes wonder if the distance is accurate

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Any tracking app is only as good as the hardware on which it is running. If your phone has a poor GPS unit then no app is going to be accurate.

I have used Endomondo, which is good for tracking PBs and giving the the fastest 1k, 3k, 5k and 10k splits in a given run; Strava which allows you to compare your sector times with others; Runkeeper allows you to programme in your own intervals.

I have only used the free versions and they all have their strengths and all do the basic job pretty well.

[LucyGB]

I use the Nike+ RunClub and impressed with it so far! It’s really easy to use and speaks to you every 1km telling your distance and time.

I’ve found it accurately maps out my route each time and also shows you a ‘pace map’ to show how fast you were going during each walk and run. It automatically pauses itself too if you stop moving which means you can start it off when you leave and then forget about it until you get home 😁

There’s loads of other stuff on it like preloaded workouts and challenges to download but haven’t got that far yet!

L x

[Richard7 Graduate]

I think it is down to personal preference. As had been said the accuracy is in the main down to your device. Some services do different things with the data eg smoothing the GPS data to known routes for example is a technique that Strava uses.

Personally I started with RunKeeper and switched to Strava mainly because I saw reference to Strava on ParkRun site and thought it is possibly more recognised. You can normally export data using a computer into a GPX or TCX file and import into the other service so you are not then stuck with the one service and can switch.

I also liked Strava because the mobile app did not automatically start the location service unlike RunKeeper which helps with the battery when you want to review your stats or check out your friends runs.