Review: RunKeeper App for iPhone

When RunKeeper announced they were giving their app away for free during the month of January, I decided to give it a try (Zero is my favorite price). I am by every definition an amateur runner, and it's something I've always struggled with getting motivated to do. While the app normally costs $10, after several weeks of use I can honestly say it would be well worth the money.

Image Courtesy of CNET

RunKeeper has some great features:

• GPS tracking of your route, pace, and elevation change
• Automatic syncing of run data with the RunKeeper website
• Ability to play music while you run
• Records tons of useful information to track your progress as a runner

Having a record of my best times, average pace, longest distance, etc. has helped me stay motivated and given me goals to reach for in my runs. In my experience the app is 95% accurate when you are running with a clear sky, and a little less so when running on trails in dense woods (even then RunKeeper does a decent job of interpolating your route when it gets a signal).

There are a lot of features I've yet to take advantage of (I'd love to get an iPhone mount and use it on my mountain bike), and so far I haven't turned into Louis Zamperini, but I have been very pleased with the software's features, ease of use, and ability to get me off my butt.

Recommended,
BB