Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Review
Hands-on (and feet-on) with RunKeeper Pro
The $9.99 pro version of RunKeeper [iTunes link] serves as a nice alternative to Nike+, especially for the interval-training minded runner.
While the Nike+ kit serves a means to an end for many runners, it may not suit everybody's needs. There's the additional cost of the transmitter and receiver (USD $30) for iPod nano owners -- iPhone and iPod touch owners need only purchase the transmitter for USD $19. Then there's the cost of Nike running shoes, which are the only shoes that accommodate the Nike+ transmitter; or as a workaround, you could get a pouch that fits the transmitter on your shoelace; and these usually run about $10.
And then there's the issue of accuracy. I personally find a calibrated Nike+ kit very accurate. For instance, during a 4 mile run (I mapped out the trail on walkjogrun.net prior to running) RunKeeper Pro showed that I ran 3.95 miles while Nike+ showed 3.90 miles. Others, however, have not been as fortunate. And this is understandable, as the kit works by detecting the steps a person takes; and as runners' gaits and strides can sometimes change during a run, this may affect the kit's accuracy.
Accuracy issues aside, RunKeeper Pro, at face value, appears little different than Nike+: at its core, RunKeeper Pro aims to track your running progress, albeit with different technology than Nike+. But dive a little deeper, and what you'll find is a training gem, especially for interval-based workouts.
What separates RunKeeper Pro from the basic version of RunKeeper (which is free) [iTunes link] as well as Nike+ is its ability to customize workouts. To demonstrate its customized training option, let's set up RunKeeper Pro for the Yasso 800 interval run. The Yasso 800 is an interval workout made famous by Runners World Chief Runner Bart Yasso. The goal is to align your goal marathon time with your Yasso 800 time. So, if your goal is to finish a marathon in 3 hours and 45 minutes, you'll need to do an 800 meter run in 3 minutes and 45 seconds, followed by a 3 minute and 45 second jog. The first week, you'll want to do 4 sets, and work your way up to 10 sets several weeks prior to a marathon.
Setting up intervals is relatively simple, and feels similar to creating an Automator workflow on the Mac. You're given the option to select between speed (slow, steady, and fast) and time (in 15 second increments) or distance (in quarter mile increments). To add more intervals, simply tap the "+" button.
One of the neat things about running with the iPhone is that it gives you the ability to open up your ears to a wider spectrum of listening sources. iPhone OS 3.0 introduced the capability to background stream audio, and many Internet radio streaming apps (such as WunderRadio [iTunes link] and ESPN Radio [iTunes link]) provide built-in support for this. So, if you're sick of personal music collection and want to surprise your ears, you can listen to BBC Radio 1 as you're 5,000 miles away running across the Golden Gate Bridge. All the while, apps like RunKeeper Pro will be tracking your running progress.
While GPS tracking gives RunKeeper an edge of differentiation over Nike+, the other edge of sword has at times provided minor annoyances. The nature of GPS is such that a clear line of sight is required for best results. To this end, I've found on many occasions that running under a bridge will disrupt tracking. In addition, when GPS signal is disrupted, in my tests I found that, while GPS tracking resumes as soon as a signal returns, audio cues did not work.
These minor annoyances aside, RunKeeper Pro serves as a nice alternative to Nike+, and it's also a great gift idea for the runner in your life!
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alek said 4:16PM on 11-16-2009
Run Mate: http://codeaplus.com/runmate/
You can edit anything you like with the included programs, add your own etc.
Reply
Alek said 4:21PM on 11-16-2009
Oops, apologies for this - I posted that text as comment for an article months ago and 1Password auto-submitted when I logged in now.
In any case, wanted to mention Run Mate (my app) as app specifically created for runners in need of customizable running schedule.
CHRiS said 5:15PM on 11-16-2009
This happend to me too. In case you didn't already know how to fix this, go edit your 1password TUAW entry, and delete the extra fields for TUAW leaving only the populated C_AuthorEmail and populated AuthorPassword fields --- (and 'RememberMe' Check mark if you want).
mickliq said 4:22PM on 11-16-2009
My understanding is that only the iPhone 3GS supports the Nike+. Therefore, for those with 2G or 3G (not "S") iPhones, this is the only solution?
Reply
Mike said 5:56PM on 11-16-2009
Yes. As usual, someone clearly forgot that there are numerous iPhone and iPod Touch devices, and not all of them support Nike+.
Go! Running Buddy said 5:27PM on 11-16-2009
I recommend you (as developer) to take a look to my app "Go! Running Buddy". It's so close to Nike+, using the accelerometer for obtaining the speed. And you only need an armband (you would have one if you go run with your iPhone). Obtain more info and screenshots at:
http://www.facebook.com/gorunningbuddy
Cheers
Fernando Tapia Rico
Go! Running Buddy
David said 4:28PM on 11-16-2009
I've been using RunKeeper Pro for about six months now, and love it. Other than using my old waterproof Garmin for rainy or super-cold days, I never head out the door for a run without using RunKeeper.
Also, the developers are very responsive to customer questions and feedback, and regularly post upgrades with new and improved features.
Reply
Adam said 5:05PM on 11-16-2009
What case/armband do you use with your iPhone?
Bryan T said 7:21PM on 11-16-2009
I agree with David. A solid app with good communication from the developers. People should give the free app a try, the only thing it really lacks is voice cues.
This app gets e motivated to run, and I can't run without it. There is Also integration for facebook and Twitter if that's your thing. I highly recommend it.
DW said 4:44PM on 11-16-2009
Any good waterproof/sweatproof cases for winter running? I've thought about RunKeeper but I'm a little reluctant to risk the iPhone.
Reply
GRB said 4:58PM on 11-16-2009
Take a look to "Go! Running Buddy", it calculates the speed using the accelerometer (and it keeps the GPS option). You don't need a good GPS signal or a full charge battery or an iPhone (iPod Touch and iPhone 2G can use this app) or speak English (Spanish and French are other available languages).
See more on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gorunningbuddy
iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/es/app/go-running-buddy/id333263912?mt=8
Reply
Jason Jacobs said 5:05PM on 11-16-2009
For cases, our users have said the Marware Sportsuit is good (which is what I used for a while, and had good luck with) and there is a Belkin one that people like. I've been using an InCase case for the last few weeks and holding the device in my hand, which has also worked well for me.
This forum thread here may be useful. . .
http://runkeeper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23&hilit=belkin
Jason
RunKeeper
info(at)runkeeper.com
Reply
artist said 5:08PM on 11-16-2009
Runkeeper Pro is great! I'm a light runner but the stats help keep me motivated. The app's integration with the web interface is sweet.
They have a new feature called "street team" which adds a social aspect to the app. But unlike other social apps, it doesn't require yet another layer of work in your life with status updates or uploading photos, etc. It's simple and works for the intended purpose - motivation, not communication.
Reply
matt Carey said 5:19PM on 11-16-2009
I've been using Runkeeper to track my bike rides for a few months now. I've used all the GPS apps out there and Runkeeper is the best I have tried.
However... it is not perfect. It doesn't track roads that well. When you view the tracking on google map (or on Google Earth via the GPX export) you see that the line is cutting across fields etc. It makes me not trust the distance 100%.
Certainly cheaper than a Garmin Edge for sure, which I might buy in the long run. Though I will always have my iPhone with me.
Reply
Alek said 5:33PM on 11-16-2009
Run Mate: http://codeaplus.com/runmate/
You can edit anything you like with the included programs, add your own etc.
Reply
adam said 6:14PM on 11-16-2009
Thanks for the WalkJogRun mention! We have an iPhone app too but it's not a GPS tracker - just helps you find routes wherever you travel. Anyway - I appreciate the link!
Reply
James said 11:27PM on 11-16-2009
I have more running apps on my iPhone than any other type of app (including all of those mentioned in comments so far) and none match Runkeeper Pro in terms of features and ease of use. It's simply best of breed! It also has excellent customer support and longevity.
Reply
SHAC said 12:05AM on 11-17-2009
If you're serious about running, you aren't using ANY Nike+ bullcrap or iphone applications.
GPS watches are lightyears beyond stupid iPhone apps...trust me
Reply
Lee said 3:34AM on 11-17-2009
I've used RKPro since it first came out and it used to be a love hate relationship however these days it's more love as the software and website has improved.
The app has improved massively, become more stable and while i no longer run i do cycle and use it to track my rides. With the ability to keep tracking with the screen off it tracked 3 hours or just under 40 miles of riding no problem.
(Tracked route : http://bit.ly/4aSPwx )
I tend it use it with a bike clip so i can see the screen but on wet days i use the Belkin arm band and it all works just fine.
I would of course like to see the guys embrace some of the new bluetooth ability but RKPro does what it says on the tin and very well.
Reply
Kurt said 12:19PM on 11-17-2009
Love, love, love RunKeeper free even more then the pro. IT is FREE!
Reply