Do you live to run? Do you plan your day around your running? Do you try to get everyone you know to start running?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may have the runs. If you answered yes to ALL of them, you definitely do!

Technology Review: Android Running Apps

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Addendum - GPS Accuracy

Question: What do you get when you cross a runner with a gadget geek?
Answer: You get an individual who feels compelled to try out every running app on his Android phone.

Hopefully my compulsion can help some of you out.

RunKeeper Pro

My foray into the runnings began when a coworker found out that I was a runner and told me that RunKeeper Pro was now free. Being a very thrifty person, I jumped when I found out something that once cost money is available for free.

At the time of download, I had a Motorola Droid. On my Droid, RunKeeper ran perfectly and I had no issues. I used it for all my runs. When I decided to switch to the Jeff Galloway method of running (look for that post in the near future) I was super excited because RunKeeper handles interval running as well as the straight runs.

However, I soon discovered that Motorola has a hardware issue with the headphone jack that kept from being able to use my phone to play my music without the whole world discovering that I listen to Imagination Movers and Sesame Street songs when I run. This forced me to get another phone, and I got the Samsung Galaxy S.

Once I loaded RunKeeper Pro on my Galaxy, I could never get it to keep a GPS lock, which became extremely frustrating since I don't have planned routes when I run on some days. I just run until I reach my half way point then turn around. I was out for an 8 mile run when I realized that RunKeeper had stopped giving me my distance. Since I was jamming to 'Elmo sings the Beatles' I didn't realize I had run 6 miles before turning around. As soon as I got home I removed RunKeeper Pro.

Cardio Trainer - Free

For my next run I downloaded the free version of Cardio Trainer. It was only a short 4 mile run so I had no need for intervals. I had absolutely no GPS issues with the app and returned home on time. The cool thing about Cardio Trainer is it integrates with your music so that you can have a playlist start when your workout starts and you don't have to manage two apps.

Cardio Trainer has some really cool features and is a great app for tracking calories burned and scheduling workouts. However I discovered before my next long run that it did not have any options for interval runs in the free version.

Cardio Trainer - Pro

When I read the features of Cardio Trainer Pro I saw that it had interval options. The $10 for the app is very pricey but they state that they have a 30 money back guarantee so I figured I'd give it a shot.

After paying for the app, I tried to set up a 5 min run/1 min walk interval, but discovered that they did not allow you to set up your own interval schedule, you were stuck with their predetermined interval training programs. Damn it! Okay now to get my $10 back. Umm how exactly do I do that? Do I just uninstall it? Do I have to email somebody? Do I have to get an old priest and a young priest? I still haven't figured that one out yet.

Record Beater - Free

Okay, maybe I can use the free version of Cardio Trainer if I can just find some sort of interval time to run along side it. I do a search in the Android Market for "interval timer" and something catches my eye. An application called "RecordBreaker". I read the description and I am intrigued so I download the free version.

In my opinion this app is so extra awesome that I've come up with a new word for it, Extrawesome! Record Beater analyzes the BPM of all the music on your phone then does one of two things with it. You can determine what BPM you want to run to and it will play the songs that match that BPM. Or you can start your run then have the app determine your BPM for you and match music to your cadence. How fricken cool is that? You can't call yourself a runner until you're sprinting down the road at 185 BPM to a techno version of "C is for Cookie"

Record Beater also handles interval training, allowing you to not only set the BPM for your fast intervals but a secondary BPM for the slow intervals. Unfortunately this is where the app is lacking. As I have mentioned, I use the interval method for my long runs, however this app doesn't store these runs in the history, so there is no way to gage how fast or slow I did my run.

Another feature I'd like to see in this app is the voice notifications that can be found in the other running apps to inform you of predetermined points (every mile, every 10 minutes, current pace, etc)

After my experience with the above apps I have been able to come up with a wish list of options I would like to see in my ideal running app.

1. Able to create, store, and share interval runs.
2. Voice notification to tell me when I've run a mile as well as my current pace
3. Ability to sync my music with my cadence by playing music with the same BPM as my stride.

That's it. Three simple requests. If you really want to impress me, have The Count counting my miles. "You have run three miles, ah ha ha ha (insert thunder here)

Since I have developed my wish list I have searched for my Holy Grail app.

Runtastic - No interval, no bpm
Time Runner Lite - No custom notification, no bpm
Sports Tracker - Interval set up is a pain, no bpm
Endomondo - No interval, no bpm
Rhythm Runner - I can never get it to complete "Training My Music" so I can't test it.

Until I find my elusive dream app I will use RecordBeater on my interval and non-interval runs. But I will have to add Cardio Trainer to the interval runs to track my history.

I hope this has helped some of you and for those of you interested:
Must have running music

10 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 15, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Hi

    I use Endomondo myself, it was the first one I tried and I never found a reason to switch. I like the auto-upload and the sheer simpleness of the app. It just works, to quote Steve Jobs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AndyMarch 7, 2012 at 1:04 AM

      I liked Endomondo ... until it refused to upload one of my workouts. The problem appears to be a known bug that the help forum people can't answer. Looks like I will be trying RecordBeater.

      Delete
  2. shugaJanuary 7, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    This is just what I needed! Thanks for the help and for making me chuckle

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 28, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    Run/Walk intervals https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.bendele.runwalk&hl=en used with Cardio trainer, is so far the best option. I too use the Jeff Galloway method as I am training for the Tower of Terror and Wine and Dine races.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 23, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Run double syncs some of these features together. Maybe try it?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aaron LaneyOctober 16, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    You guys should check out Run Timer. It has a great interface and is easy to use. its on google play. http://goo.gl/WNNIZ

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anita MahanOctober 27, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    my husband uses Jeff Galloway 13 1 app on his iPhone. I love that app and have been waiting for the android version which they say they are working on.... but I've been waiting a long time. maybe all of us Android users need to put the pressure on mister Galloway to get that done

    ReplyDelete
  7. YosefApril 14, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    For US based runners with Android phones check out pyng.me as a way to let family\friends find you during a run without having to call or text you. Like Road ID on your phone and let's a family\friend find you instead of a stranger. Good for peace of mind, and also just handy. No significant extra battery drain or data use if no one is looking for you.

    https://pyng.me

    ReplyDelete
  8. annie sJune 17, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    Don't forget nike+. I think its the best treadmill tracking app out so far. Runkeeper and endomondo is great but it requires inputting your progress manually.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownMarch 30, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

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