Reader Review: Runkeeper Fitness Tracker for iPhone

Darren · Last edited by Darren on Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

The iPhone's feature set allows for use in many different scenarios.

Fitness is onw popular segment with many already using the iPhone as a music player whilst out jogging or in the gym.

PocketGPSWorld member Antony Clarke has been using Runkeeper, an app for tracking your fitness progress and he has written up his experience with the app in a great reader review.
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Darren Griffin

gstenson · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

Its good but be careful which armband you use if you run with your Iphone. Mine prevents a GPS signal for some reason so negates the use of Runkeeper as without a signal it doesnt work.
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Audi S4
HTC One M8 & CamerAlert

Darren · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:14 am Post subject:

gstenson · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:17 am Post subject:

Silicone. Its this one
http://www.play.com/Mobiles/Mobile/4-/9151642/Bone-iPhone-Sport-Armband-For-3G-S-3G/Product.html

apc · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:54 pm Post subject:

As per the review, I've used this on many occaisions with it just stuck in my trouser pocket or Jacket pocket without any drop.

I've even after a walk forgotten to end the app, got to the car, driven home and it still managed to track! Embarassed

Have you ensured that wireless has been disabled?

gstenson · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:22 pm Post subject:

Can't remember if I did. Will check next time I try it but still using my Nike+ as I dont trust the iphone/runkeeper to work yet.

Richard_m_w · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 26, 2007 Posts: 3

Interesting as it is, it doesn't appear to offer as much as a dedicated Garmin Forerunner (405) which can offer heart rate recording as well as GPS tracking. For those of us that don't like listening to music when we run, I'd rather just carry a watch.
There is an app called Sportytrack which does a similar thing and of course Mapmyrun.com and of course even Googlemaps will do the same thing which is free aslong as you have tracked the route and upload via kml or similar file.
As for mapping and walking, an app called Quo mobile will allow you to use OS 1:25000 maps and track and record your position via GPS in real time which is far more useful. However, that's on a WM device which isn't perceived as sexy as the Iphone but appears far more customisable.

Darren · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:53 pm Post subject:

Yes of course, no-one is suggesting this is unique but for those who already have the iPhone and who don't want to buy a Forerunner or a GPS tracker or a WM Device this ticks the bill!

For those that don't have an iPhone, no-one is suggesting you go out and buy one just ti run this Rolling Eyes

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Darren Griffin

Chriskaraokeman · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 15, 2006 Posts: 16

I have been using this app for yonks , just to clear up the review , the top left hand button both locks the screen,and changes portrait to landscape. Its a most excellent app Very Happy

gstenson · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 2:02 pm Post subject:

To update people I made sure I disabled WiFi today and went for a nice long run. Signal worked fine. Only problem is that I received a text mid way through and of course being an Iphone this disabled RK. You have to read the text and then go back into RK and resume. A bit stupid when you are running along the road or cycling at full speed!

However, I have a jailbroken phone so just installed 'Backgrounder' which apparently solves this issue. RK now gets a thumbs up its a shame you need Backgrounder but that is more Apples fault rather the chaps at RK.

Darren · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject:

gstenson · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:26 pm Post subject:

Agreed. I doubt whether Apple will ever change their SDK to allow this either. Another vote for jailbreaking...

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