Just got in from my first run with the new app Zombies, Run!
I have to say, right off the top, it was kind of fun. It launched this morning and I spent the better part of the day trying to get my work done so I could head out and test it. I’ve been excited about the launch since I heard about it but, truthfully didn’t have high hopes for the app. I tried to keep my expectations low. I’ve tried every running app out there, never been completely happy with any of them.
I’ve been thinking for a while about how to take my running to the next level.
I finished my first race about a month ago, I’m happy with my results, aim was 2:59 and I hit 2:45. My plan is to stick to half marathons until next fall and go for the Niagara Falls Marathon. To get through this year I plan to run the Springbank Road Races Half in September and the Half at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in October.
I haven’t been happy with the programs either RunCoach or SmartCoach put out. I’m sure they work, I’m just no comfortable with the variables I put in and how the program looks. Then I remembered RunKepper had a paid FitnessClass feature. As a Pro member I get half off the $19.99. Even at $9.99 it’s a bit steep but I love what the guys at RunKepper do so I figure it’s worth a shot.
I’ve singed up for the Half Marathon Time Goal Sub 2:30 program. That should be more then achievable goal for me. I’m only one run in so I’ll post some updates throughout to keep you posted on how I feel about the program. At first glance they’ve done a great job integrating the classes into the app. I’ve not used RunKeeper since I stopped interval training in the walk to run program. They didn’t have the classes built in then and there are walk to run programs available. It seams like a good way to both get the intervals programmed for you and the social features should help keep you running.
I am sad that I’m leaving a few features in RunMeter that I’ve come to love. The Announcements is the big one but small things like posting to DailyMile will probably bug me constantly. I hope RunKepper will at least add the DailyMile integration. I know they want to be the social network instead of sending the traffic to DailyMile but it already has such a huge community across many applications and platforms it seams like a no brainer. I think this is a big oversight on RunKeepers part. Focus on the app and the classes, both the places they make the money!
Anyways, stay tuned for future updates on the program and the app.
Runmeter launched a major new version a little while ago, 5.0. This version includes Voices to read you your stats and Twitter, Facebook and DailyMile updates from your friends, virtual companion to race against yourself and dailymile integration to post when you start a run and sync when your finished.
Until recently I couldn’t switch full time as I still needed the audio coaching for intervals. I’m now past that point so I’m finding myself using Runmeter instead of my old, RunKeeper/Nike+, setup.
As I use DailyMile a lot I like that they’ve added those features. As I’ve written before I really like the social features in Nike+ and Runmeter has really taken it a step further adding Twitter and DailyMile posts and it actually reads the replies to you not just cheers in your headphones. Sometimes it sounds a bit funny, most of my friends like to mess around sending updates, but usually getting the feedback really keeps my motivated.
I’ve also become a fan of the way it handles the best times. When you start a run, you select the route you plan on taking. If it’s a route you’ve run before it’ll give you updates as to how you are preforming against your past times. It’s pretty handy when you want to better your time or gear up for a race.
There is a ton of options in the app, too many to list. For those who want, you can really drill down and customize almost every aspect of the app. From the display, audio cues and auto posts to outside sites and much more. It can get a little complicated but once you learn it the power is nice. One wish I’d make is to be able to rotate the display. Not a big thing but it would be nice to have that option.
For the seasoned runner I think the wide variety of connecting sites and the personal competition features Runmeter just might be the best run tracking app.
I, like some of my co-bloggers here, never really liked the Nike+ App. For me it lacks the audio cues I need and it’s just not as feature rich as other apps like my beloved RunKeeper. It’s a pretty good deal if you don’t have an iPhone as you can pair it to an iPod Nano. For indoor running it works OK, just be sure to calebrate it to the treadmill.
Anyways Nike just released an alternate version of the App for iPhone named Nike+ GPS. This version uses the iPhones GPS to track the distance instead of the old pedometer that you, sort of, needed Nike shoes for. I figured for 1.99 I’d give it a whirl.
When making the choice to start getting fit, your diet is such a huge component. The decisions we make in our eating habits can greatly impact how effective our exercise can be.
Personally, when I started running, it was to start losing weight. I knew that simply running wouldn’t be enough, I needed to change my diet.
Turning to my iPhone, there are plenty of calorie tracking apps available. I chose Lose it!.
Lose It! is an app that allows you to log your food intake, exercise activity and set a weight loss plan and daily calorie budget.
“Drinking water is important if you’re trying to lose weight, some studies have shown that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together. If there is a slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger and one may eat when the body is actually craving fluid. As most food contains some water, if one doesn’t drink much they may be subconsciously driven to eat more to gain the necessary water supply however, you also gain the undesired effects of increased calorie consumption. Drinking more water can help to prevent overeating and benefit weight loss.” – Active.com
