Running with an iphone

Turtle003
Turtle003 Posts: 133 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay - I just got my first iphone and I am learning how to use it so bear with me. My question is can I use it to listen to music and have a gps app on it for running? And if so how do you carry it? I currently run with an Ipod nano clipped to my waist but I want to track my mileage. I use mapmyrun when I get home to calculate my route but I thought I could use it during my run too? I've also seen talk of edmundo? My biggest fear is dropping my iphone and it is so much larger than my nano!
Thanks!
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Replies

  • katiefridley
    katiefridley Posts: 151 Member
    I LOVE NIke+. It syncs with Facebook and Twitter, if you wish. It maps yours runs, times you runs, shows your distance splits, stores you personal records, allow you to do a basic runs, timed runs, and allows you to even track your moods. Best of all, it's FREE!
  • Run4UrHealth
    Run4UrHealth Posts: 348 Member
    Get you an iphone armband...they make some that are waterproof also so you can run in the rain.

    I use the paid version of run training and the free version of mapmyrun!
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    I LOVE NIke+. It syncs with Facebook and Twitter, if you wish. It maps yours runs, times you runs, shows your distance splits, stores you personal records, allow you to do a basic runs, timed runs, and allows you to even track your moods. Best of all, it's FREE!

    I use Nike+ also. It also lets you select a playlist and "power songs" - you know, for when you need that extra push.

    And, you can get an armband to hold your phone, or you can hold it in your hand. There are protective cases with a strap for your hand if you want to do that. Or, slip it into a pouch on a belt - do a search on amazon for running accessories. There's lots of options out there.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Love my armband! And run with iTunes shuffling my running playlist, Nike+ & Runkeeper (I have friends on both, and I like to compare the two apps) running at the same time to give me pace & distance & track my running.

    Check stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls & Ross - they often have armbands for around 10 bucks. Actually check them for all sorts of running gear - my TJ Maxx in particular often has good stuff at great prices, but it goes fast!
  • breathless575
    breathless575 Posts: 140 Member
    What headphones do you use? I tried hooking up the headphones that came with the iphone, but they don't work.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Okay - I just got my first iphone and I am learning how to use it so bear with me. My question is can I use it to listen to music and have a gps app on it for running? And if so how do you carry it? I currently run with an Ipod nano clipped to my waist but I want to track my mileage. I use mapmyrun when I get home to calculate my route but I thought I could use it during my run too? I've also seen talk of edmundo? My biggest fear is dropping my iphone and it is so much larger than my nano!
    Thanks!

    I use mapmyrun and like it a lot. The free version you have to turn on your music, then open the app, so you can't change songs. The paid version (like $1.99 or something) gives you the option to play and control music while in the app. I bought it for that reason but I never actually change the songs (hard to when in arm band). I also like the voice feedback the paid app offers. You can set it to tell you at distance intervals or time intervals and it can tell you pace, average pace, distance, etc.
    I carry it in an arm band. Sometimes I just put it in my jacket pocket. Last year during the winter if it was raining, I would put it in a small ziplock bag, poke the earphone plug through And put it in my jacket pocket.

    The GPS can lower the battery but you can just lock the phone to save some. I've done 2hr + runs without killing battery.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    Runkeeper has GPS capability and iTunes integration. It also has a variety of training programs which prompt you during training, give feedback on time/pace, etc. I put my iPhone in the pocket of my shorts, but I don't run particularly fast or long - if I were going to spend a lot of time running, I'd invest in an armband for it.
  • BlackKat75
    BlackKat75 Posts: 210 Member
    Since it's now cold here, I put my iPhone in a zipped pocket in my running top. I have a great top that has a zippered pocket in the back which is great. In summer, I just ran holding my phone. There are a variety of GPS apps that you can use to track your route and your pace. I've been using RunKeeper recently, which is really good when it works, but the GPS has been a little wonky on occasion (saying things like I've run a mile in 4 minutes...) RunKeeper tracks speed (per minute), mileage, elevation, etc. You can set it to give you audio cues at either a distance or a time. I'd check out a few of the free apps available in the iTunes store and see which one you like best.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    What headphones do you use? I tried hooking up the headphones that came with the iphone, but they don't work.
    Not sure what brand I have (Phillips maybe? I can't wear the Apple earbuds either, they fall right out of my ears!) - just some I got on clearance at Target, but they have the little silicone, squishy earbuds with different sizes that you can switch out. I use the smallest ones for my freakishly tiny ear canals, and they work well. If I'm wearing short sleeves or a tank top, I run the cord from the armband, through my sleeve under my shirt, and up through the neck opening to keep the cord from bouncing around. Works well for me.
  • questionablesteffi
    questionablesteffi Posts: 7
    Get you an iphone armband...they make some that are waterproof also so you can run in the rain.

    I use the paid version of run training and the free version of mapmyrun!
    Actually, you can even make your own armband out of an old tube sock. It's kind of nifty. ♥
    http://lifehacker.com/5907380/repurpose-a-tube-sock-as-an-mp3-player+holding-exercise-armband
  • gerirojas
    gerirojas Posts: 101 Member
    I run with my Iphone in an arm band I use Runtastic Pro app its awesome its also syncs with MFP, and you can play music through it

    http://www.runtastic.com/en/apps/runtastic
  • fitforlife34
    fitforlife34 Posts: 331 Member
    I'm the same way. I don't have an i phone but i have a samsung galaxy, and I can't workout unless I am listening to music. I run with it, use it on my elitpical etc.
  • tmfrizzell
    tmfrizzell Posts: 17
    I can't run without my music on my iPhone. I love it. I use WalkTracker to map my runs and love it. Also, I've recently discovered "Zombies, Run" an interactive GPS running "game" that tracks your progress and incourages you to run faster when Zombies are chasing you. A bit pricey at $8.00, but I've gotten at least that much entertainment from it.

    As far as taking the iPhone with me, I've gotten used to carying it in my hand while running. I have an armband, but find that my phone does not fit with just about any case I use. I've gotten used to it, and almost miss it when it is not there.

    Have fun exploring the great workout apps that are available!!
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    I use the tuneband to hold mine (got it from Amazon) and I use iHeartRadio or Songza for music, then runkeeper for running since it syncs with gympact
  • prpljellybean
    prpljellybean Posts: 68 Member
    I use runkeeper and hold my iphone in my hand lol. I have an older ipod that clips to my waistband if I am working out alone.
  • WDEvy
    WDEvy Posts: 814 Member
    Nike + app.
  • Jonalee1977
    Jonalee1977 Posts: 415 Member
    I use a SPI Belt to hold my phone and run the earbuds up through my shirt.
  • flechero
    flechero Posts: 260 Member
    I never found an armband that didn't cut off my circulation and stay put. So, I carry it in my hand when I run... takes a few runs to get used to but then got to where I could use it on the fly to change songs, etc. I also have issues with cords so I use Jaybird wireless earbuds. (bluetooth) That is the ONLY way to go! I bit pricey but well worth the $ IMO. I also wear them in the gym and leave my phone in my bag and they reach all over the free weight area with no trouble.

    I have my iPhone in an otterbox- it's been dropped a few times with no problems so far.
  • jsickman12
    jsickman12 Posts: 139 Member
    I use MotionX-GPS, very accurate (if you turn wifi off), it has a music control build into the app. There is a free version and a paid version. You can also start your music before you use the other programs, that is what I did before.
  • sammyneb
    sammyneb Posts: 257
    The headphones I use are "Sony Sport Clip-On Headphones " Google them an you can see the pictures. But they wrap around your ear vs. just an earbud. I love them. I carry my iphone in an arm band, and sometimes I will just listen to the music without the headphones. I also use the Nike app which I also like.
  • footiechick82
    footiechick82 Posts: 1,203 Member
    bump - same boat.
  • BohemianCoast
    BohemianCoast Posts: 349 Member
    I use an app called iSmoothRun, that allows you to set up pacing in considerable detail. I then sync it to Runkeeper so that I can view my runs online.

    I run with a rucksack which is probably a mistake. But most people use armbands.
  • ezwryder
    ezwryder Posts: 25
    I like the LifeProof case because the case itself provides protection against water and drops. I use the clip to keep it on my waist at the side when running. They have a sturdy bike clip, so it goes on the bicycle when I'm riding. They have an armband/swimband, but I haven't needed that.
  • pdworkman
    pdworkman Posts: 1,342 Member
    iSmoothRun & Runkeeper account.
  • Ras_py
    Ras_py Posts: 129 Member
    sports bra... i tuck it in the top =)
    take a sweat band (arm kind) and wrap it around the phone and you wont get sweat into the phone. this is VERY important as you can ruin a phone that way!
  • doggiesnot
    doggiesnot Posts: 334 Member
    In addition to an armband, I strongly recommend the Otterbox Defender case for iPhone. Make sure to get an armband where it fits while in the case. You don't want to keep taking the phone out of the case.

    I've dropped my iPhone a couple of times on the sidewalk while bicycling, and the Otterbox has protected the phone very well.
  • heypurdy
    heypurdy Posts: 196 Member
    I use RunKeeper. Personally, i think it's the best running app out there. It uses your GPS and you can listen to music at the same time. I use an armband too.
  • Lyssa62
    Lyssa62 Posts: 930 Member
    in the exercise stuff at walmart they have iphone armbands. I wanted to use the striiv app...but it was using up too much battery and too much data (it would be great for somebody with unlimited data)
  • jesindc
    jesindc Posts: 724 Member
    I got a splash velocity arm band (which I like a lot b/c I don't have to take my phone out of its case like I did with my old phone and band). Make sure that you order the right band for your phone (ie 4 and early vs. 5).

    I also got some Motorola bluetooth headphones (it's nice not to have to worry about wires and standard earbuds *never* stay in my ears.

    As far as apps go, I really like MapMyRun (it uses GPS to gauge your pace and calculate calories burned). If you already have (or plan on getting) a bluetooth heart rate monitor, then hands down, the BEST app is Polar Beat. That is my favorite. It gives you a really accurate calorie burn, plus it evaluates how your work out improved your fitness level -- plus it surveys you after each work out -- how do you feel? Poor, Okay, Good, Great, Super -- It's neat to go back and see how workouts might have gotten easier (or harder if you fell off the band wagon). Finally, the most FUN Running app is Zombie, Run! (I use it simultaneously with Polar Beat). It's like an interactive story. Sometimes I'll find that I've been out for an hour, but I'm really bummed to end my workout because I'm in a really interesting part of the story. It's a really, really fun app.

    If you click on the APPs tab on myfitnesspal, you'll see that there are now a few apps that actually sync directly with MFP which is pretty awesome, but I'm holding out hope that eventually either Polar Beat or MayMyRun will sync with MFP b/c those are really my favorites!

    Have fun!!
  • CJ_Holmes
    CJ_Holmes Posts: 759 Member
    I use the SPI belt as well. It stays put for me better than an armband, and my keys fit, too!

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