Since getting my new phone, I have been more inclined to go out for a run instead of the gym.
Why?
Because finally I get to track my running.
The new Iphone is just great, with the multitasking capabilities just made it a whole lot more amazing.
It is really a smart phone, I get to track my pace, my distance, my time, play my songs, map my route, guide my directions (GPS), and a whole lot more.
Let me start with Nike Sensor. I have always wanted one, but I couldn’t justify buying an ipod nano just to be able to get the sensor, or to get the nike bracelet. But, my lovely/wonderful/amazing/perfect gf got me my iphone. The first thing I did after getting back was to order the sensor. Had to buy an armband to go along. Can’t run holding the phone, or let it bounce away in the pocket. (too risky)
Searched online thru ebay, nike shops, but the cheapest was still Amazon. Got the whole set for around £20ish pounds.
The armband I found was iGadgitz Black & Silver Reflective Neoprene Sports Gym Jogging Armband for Apple iPhone 4. £7.
Saw the photos and I was sold! Looks pretty good, not too bulky and it comes with a slot for my house key/coins. No more annoying key/coin jiggling in the pocket.
Used it. It fits comfortably. A little tricky with the screen coz of the plastic protecting it, but I love it.
And the sensor + the sensor pouch.
You can find all those listed items in Amazon.
That is where I bought all of it from, as far as I know it is cheaper than ebay.
Direct Link to Get it from Amazon!
Marware Sportsuit Sensor + Case for Nike + iPod Sport Kit
iGadgitz Black Neoprene Sports Armband for Apple iPhone 3G & New 3GS 8GB, 16GB & 32GB
Apple Nike and iPod Sensor
Now the apps!
Nike sensor is good because you get the sync it with the website, and it lets you track your distance, speed, time , set goals, set schedules, make or join challenges, and join a community of runners.
So after syncing with your sensor, an app will appear on the phone, and this is the screen.
The screen while you run tracks the distance and all other info
What is so cool about it is the app is integrated to the phone, in the lock screen, if the home button is pressed. The music will soften and a voice will read out the distance, time, and pace. So you can just check how far you ran anytime without looking. REALLY COOL!
This history screen to monitor the performance.
Pro:
- Integrated well with the phone system
- Accurate distance so far
- Awesome monitoring with sync
Cons::
- No easier way to change songs 0r playlist (to change songs you have to swipe to unlock and change, for playlist you have to go all the way out to the ipod app player)
- No GPS tracking
To solve the gps problem. I found another app that is great by itself. With the multitasking function of iPhone. Both systems can be running for optimum monitoring.
It is called ENDOMONDO.
It is also another sportish community. The app tracks the performance by using gps coordinates.
They have voiceover to inform you when you reach a certain distance.
The best part of this is you get a map that maps out your route, and shows it in your work out history.
Pros : Great app to track performance and tracking it visually with the map.
Cons: Not as integrated as nike app.
Lastly!! TomTom App.
Let us visualize how iphone is just great and how it just works. With Multitask function on iphone…all the apps are running while you run.
Wake up in the morning! Check Weather App for the weather or Weather Pro or Megaweather for more detailed timed weather report. It says sunny! you get ready to run!
Turn on Nike+ and Endomondo…start running.While listening to the radio via RadioTunes app or Spotify App. (or pandora in the US) or just the music on the phone.
See a beautiful view…take it out and take a photo or a video in hi-def.
Twit about it or facebook it in twitter app or facebook app, maybe reply a mail.
Continue running….You want to try a new route..you end up in a place you have no idea how to get back from…turn on TomTom App (a bit pricy but worth it)
This is what you will see..
Set it to your home, and get back to nike app while tomtom is running in the background and will tell you the direction to get home while you are running!
See what I mean…..Everything just works together. Like what mr apple says….IT JUST WORKS.
Give it a try…
These are all the recommended apps for running/jogging/walking/cycling, anything.