IN SHORT: An application for the fitness freaks among us. RunKeeper does exactly what it sounds like it should, turning your iPhone into the equivalent of a high-priced GPS system by using the inbuilt GPS to track your run, and feed you plenty of data on just how you’re doing.
THE LOWDOWN: The basic function of this application is to track the route you covered (including a fairly accurate measurement of the distance) and the time it took you do, and is aimed at runners of every level, from complete beginners to experienced club runners looking for a way toaccurately track performance. RunKeeper is arguably an improvement on a typical GPS: it’s been made a good deal more interactive. RunKeeper plots your route map, allows you to post information directly to FaceBook or Twitter, and counts the number of calories you’ve burnt over the course of your pavement bashing. You can use the application to track long term fitness by viewing your stored history, listen to and change the tracks on your iPod at the same time as using the application, and even interactively program your iPod to make sure the playlist fits in with your run. If you’re slowing up, the application will tell you, by tracking current speed on top of your average, as well as telling you through the headphones as you pass distance landmarks and building in split times and interval workouts for the more ambitious runner. Whether you’re in it for the full on marathon or ultra-distance training, or simply want something to keep track of your fitness efforts, then, RunKeeper provides a service that’s the rival of some far more expensive devices aimed at doing the same thing, and far surpasses many of them in terms of options (see interval training and music functions). For those into their exercise (even if you prefer to hike or cycle – though the primary aim of the application is runners), this is an ideal, money saving training assistant.
PRICE: $9.99 (pro version). Free version also available.
LINKS: Click here for the free version, or here for the paid version.
