iPhone running apps are one option for tracking your pace and distance while you work out. These apps can be a good option if you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a GPS running watch, but they have their own limitations as well. The iPhone isn't as easy to run with as a watch, but it is an interesting alternative.
Tracking your runs with the iPhone
Like RunKeeper Pro and iMapMyRun+, the Runner app ($5.99) uses the iPhone's built-in GPS to track your pace, distance, time, and calories while you run. It’s not limited to running -- you could also use the Runner app for cycling or any other sport where you want to know your distance.
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| Runner iPhone App |
Unlike RunKeeper Pro, an app I love for its easy-to-use interface, Runner is a little more complicated to get started with. On RunKeeper Pro, you just tap "start activity" and go. With the Runner app, you have to select one of eight predefined workouts before you can begin, such as 3 miles, 5 miles, 15 minutes, 1 hour, etc. While this may be fine for some runners, I would prefer to just start the GPS and go without being constrained by a predefined workout.
Once you select a workout, the Runner app acquires its satellite signals (you’ll see the app’s progress in the upper-right hand corner; green means you’re good to go, red means it hasn’t locked on yet). Distance and time are displayed prominently, but some of the other data is too small to read at a glance. The numbers for speed and calories could be increased -- there’s plenty of room on the screen.
Excellent iPod integration
Like most iPhone running apps, Runner integrates with your iPod playlist. It also lets you program a "boost song," which is a feature I haven’t seen on other running apps. You can elect to play the boost song whenever you need an extra dose of motivation -- just double tap the screen and your normal playlist will resume where it left off when the song is done. This is a fantastic feature, and it’s something that sets Runner apart from other apps. By the way, the iPod integration is flawless and I never have any problems playing my boost song or scrolling through songs on my regular playlist.
Runner displays your running history in a list, and you can also view your past runs on a map or add notes to specific workouts. The app integrates with Twitter, and you can have your runs automatically tweeted when you’re done (I’m sure your Twitter followers will love that!).
I only had one issue with Runner’s GPS signal, when I was running on a small outdoor track. The GPS light was green and the clock was ticking, but distance and pace were not calculating. I emailed customer support and received a very prompt reply in less than 24 hours. Apparently the iPhone’s GPS sensor isn’t sensitive enough to pick up distance changes on small circular routes. I went back to the same location and did a bigger loop with no problems -- just keep that in mind if you normally run on a track. Props for excellent customer service!
The Bottom Line
Although I prefer RunKeeper Pro’s interface, the Runner app is a very good alternative. The app works well and is relatively easy to use (although I would prefer not to be limited by the preset workouts). The app integrates very nicely with your iPod playlists, and I love the boost song functionality. Twitter integration is another plus if you like to tweet your workouts to your followers.
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