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RunKeeper provides useful info as you run, then uploads it to the RunKeeper site.
Can I gush? RunKeeper is the coolest freakin' iPhone application ever. OK, maybe not for everyone, but it's definitely the coolest for runners, hikers, bikers, and anyone else interesting in tracking their outdoor activities.
Let me explain. This summer the running bug bit me hard, and I'm now running farther and faster than in years past. Consequently, I've grown interested in determining my pace, distance, total run time, and so on.
My first thought was to get Apple's Nike + iPod, which is reasonable at $29--but incompatible with my iPhone 3G. Plus, I didn't want to have to buy a pair of Nike+ shoes or "hack" the Apple sensor to latch onto my own shoes.
Quite by accident, I discovered RunKeeper Free, which leverages the iPhone's built-in GPS to track duration, distance, pace, speed, and more.
All this happens in real-time as you run, but where it really gets cool is at the end: When you tap Save Run, RunKeeper quickly uploads that data to the eponymous Web site, where you can track all your runs and get very specific information about each (such as how fast you were going at any particular point along the way). You also get to see your exact route on a map. It's really, really cool.
You can, of course, play your music while RunKeeper is running, and the app recently added integration with Facebook and Twitter (for those who like to crow about their runs).
I wasn't sure I wanted to carry my relatively big, bulky iPhone with me when I was accustomed to something Shuffle-size. But it happened to fit just perfectly in an old Zune armband case, and obviously, it's great to have both a phone and a GPS with me in case of emergency.
I'm using ad-supported RunKeeper free, which suits me fine. There's a $9.99 Pro version that offers audio cues and support for custom workouts (based on time, distance, and so on)--closer to what you get from Nike+iPod.
If you're a runner, I can't recommend this application highly enough.
The iPhone 3GS, like the second generation iPod Touch, includes built-in Nike + iPod support to monitor your workouts. Runners can purchase the Nike + iPod Sensor for $19 and slip it into either a Nike+ compatible shoe or any shoe (using one of the below hacks). The iPhone 3GS is thus capable of tracking distance, calories, pace, and workout duration during a run. The iPhone 3GS has a built-in receiver that eliminates the need to plug in the receiver sold with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit.
Using the Nike + iPod app
The Nike + iPod app is easy to use after you link it to your iPhone 3GS. You simply go to Settings, choose Nike + iPod, and turn Nike + iPod on. When Nike + iPod is turned on, its icon appears in Springboard (iPhone desktop). The app provides audible feedback on your speed, distance, time elapsed, and calories burned during a running (or walking) workout.
(Credit:
David Martin)
Note:If you have more than 176 apps installed--passing the display limit of Springboard--and you are running iPhone OS 3.0, you'll have to use Spotlight to launch the Nike+ app.
(Credit:
David Martin)
Once you have completed your run (or walk), dock your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes (Apple support document) to upload your workout statistics to NikePlus.com. You use that Web site to track your progress, set your goals, and participate in challenges against others.
(Credit:
David Martin)
Hack your own shoe
If you happen to like other brands of shoes, you can learn from others who have discovered ways to make the Nike+ sensor work with their favorite pairs of shoes. See some do-it-yourself examples at Instructables.com and Gadgetpage.com, or buy yourself a Shoe Pouch if you are lazy. Spendthrifts will appreciate this YouTube video for a real cheap sensor and shoe hack:
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