RUNNERS: RunKeeper or MapMyRun?

nicca_jb
nicca_jb Posts: 1,278 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I have just recently gotten into "really" running - that is, more than the first few weeks of C25K and I've done two 5K races with slow, but reasonable times - and I use my Fitbit to keep track of steps and general activity. I've been really wanting something more in-depth to track with, though, and downloaded RunKeeper a while ago. I also realized that not many people I know are using it, and yesterday downloaded MapMyRun.

I'd like to ask what everyone else uses and why. What makes one app better or worse? So far the only real bonus I've seen to MMR is that it's automatically pulled in my activity history from the Fitbit, which RunKeeper did not do when I synced it. Is one more accurate than the other? Does one "do" more or track more?

Thanks!
«1

Replies

  • thavoice
    thavoice Posts: 1,326 Member
    I use a Garmin 305 GPS watch.

    Works wonderfully, has so many different functions to use and track and also a HRM strap.

    I love the pace alert section. When I do races or PT test I set it to beep if I am going too fast, or slow (you set what is too fast and slow) and it keeps me from going too fast early on, and when I am getting tired and it beeps I know I just have to go a little faster.


    It also can hook up to a computer to download stuff but I dont do that. I just write it in my log.


    I am not a fan of those apps on phones. When I run.........my phone is left at home so I have no distractions at all.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    You can add Runtastic to the mix. Its just what I happened to start with and works for me.
  • ryblueeyes
    ryblueeyes Posts: 257 Member
    I've never used MMR, but have been using Runkeeper for a while now. If you're looking to train for longer races, RK has a lot of training plans available. I have it synced with MFP and my Polar HRM and everything works fine.
  • handyrunner
    handyrunner Posts: 32,662 Member
    I use a Garmin 305 GPS watch.

    Works wonderfully, has so many different functions to use and track and also a HRM strap.

    I love the pace alert section. When I do races or PT test I set it to beep if I am going too fast, or slow (you set what is too fast and slow) and it keeps me from going too fast early on, and when I am getting tired and it beeps I know I just have to go a little faster.


    It also can hook up to a computer to download stuff but I dont do that. I just write it in my log.


    I am not a fan of those apps on phones. When I run.........my phone is left at home so I have no distractions at all.

    yep my garmin is how i track.. but i do use the map my run website to plot different courses...excellent tool for that!
  • Forty6and2
    Forty6and2 Posts: 2,492 Member
    I use Sportstracker Pro (app and online) because it's compatible with my HRM. I can't say anything about the ones that you mentioned, though. Sorry!
  • JoelleAnn78
    JoelleAnn78 Posts: 1,492 Member
    I use RunKeeper. I love it. Syncs with FitBit, MFP, and FaceBook. I have always used it for all my activitites, and I do love the training programs as well as the periodic challenges they throw out there to keep me motivated!
  • jchite84
    jchite84 Posts: 467 Member
    A lot of folks have mixed feelings, but I am a fan of Strava. The challenges are nice, and provide a fun way of pushing your running to the next level. Also, if you have a strong community of local runners there are likely to be routes to run and try and place/KOM against some locals. I also like the metrics that it allows you to track.

    EDIT: You can use iPhone or Android app, it syncs with most major GPS/heartrate setups, and I think it syncs with MFP now also.
  • Krista916
    Krista916 Posts: 258
    I also have a Garmin and love it. If you don't have the cash to invest in a Garmin, I actually perfer the Nike Run app.
  • badgeratheart
    badgeratheart Posts: 91 Member
    I'm a Garmin fan, too. I used Garmin with MMR for several runs because I literally wanted to map my run for future reference. MMR consistently over-estimated the distance I ran, thereby significantly reducing my pace per mile by as much as 15 seconds per mile. I find Garmin to be much more accurate. I will continue to use MMR if on vacation somewhere because I will want to find local running routes, so I like that feature...
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    For phone purposes Endomondo is the best application I've used

    For web site logging, tracking, I think MapMyRun is better.

    For dedicated device, I like the Timex Run Trainer 2.0 (I don't use TrainingPeaks)
  • DymonNdaRgh40
    DymonNdaRgh40 Posts: 661 Member
    I started with MapMyRun. I don't use it on my phone as I like the computer version much better. I simply use it to track my mileage. It's great for tabulating your run data. I don't sync MapMyRun to MFP but I do sync my Fitbit.

    I use my HRM to track my calories burned, Fitbit Zip for steps, and one day will either purchase a TomTom, Garmin, or Nike Sportwatch for GPS and pacing.

    As if I don't use enough gadgets.:wink:
  • Ftw37
    Ftw37 Posts: 386 Member
    I use a Garmin watch to track the runs along with heart rate, stride and temperature data. Garmin uploads to Garmin Connect.
    Here's my Garmin Connect page if anyone wants to friend me:
    http://connect.garmin.com/profile/ftw037

    Then I use tapiriik (tapiriik.com) to sync with Runkeeper, Strava and Dropbox.

    Then I use VeloViewer to slice/dice Strava data and segment info. Has some neat 3d charts too.

    I use Runkeeper because I started using it to track walks back when I started. I have friends on Runkeeper that I like to keep track of. My Runkeeper page:
    http://runkeeper.com/user/Ftw37/activity/

    I use Strava because of the segment/gaming aspect of running and cycling. Here's my Strava page if anyone wants to friend me:
    http://www.strava.com/athletes/4300851

    I use Dropbox to keep a backup of all my TCX files.

    I wear my fitbit flex 24/7 to keep track of daily activities.
    Fitbit page: http://www.fitbit.com/user/26Q7KP

    So I guess you'd say I use it all.

    I have used Runtastic in the past, as well as MapMyRun. I have one friend on each, which I follow, but I don't sync my activities to those apps anymore Runtastic has a neat new update I've noticed.

    YMMV
  • criticaltodd
    criticaltodd Posts: 86
    I'll add Runmeter to the mix: excellent app, no subscription-based services.
  • thatjosiegirl
    thatjosiegirl Posts: 362 Member
    Neither, I use Nike+ Running to keep tabs on things. I only use RunKeeper when I go for a walk or ride my bike (I like that it gives you different activity options)
  • jchite84
    jchite84 Posts: 467 Member

    I use Strava because of the segment/gaming aspect of running and cycling. Here's my Strava page if anyone wants to friend me:
    http://www.strava.com/athletes/4300851

    I added you!

    http://www.strava.com/athletes/2481616

    Here is me if anybody is interested. I'm always looking for new friends on Strava.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Runkeeper. The GPS on May My Run is spotty at best. Runkeeper is more accurate, and even when it's off you can manually fix the route on the website.
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    I use a Garmin watch to track the runs along with heart rate, stride and temperature data. Garmin uploads to Garmin Connect.
    Here's my Garmin Connect page if anyone wants to friend me:
    http://connect.garmin.com/profile/ftw037

    Then I use tapiriik (tapiriik.com) to sync with Runkeeper, Strava and Dropbox.

    Then I use VeloViewer to slice/dice Strava data and segment info. Has some neat 3d charts too.

    I use Runkeeper because I started using it to track walks back when I started. I have friends on Runkeeper that I like to keep track of. My Runkeeper page:
    http://runkeeper.com/user/Ftw37/activity/

    I use Strava because of the segment/gaming aspect of running and cycling. Here's my Strava page if anyone wants to friend me:
    http://www.strava.com/athletes/4300851

    I use Dropbox to keep a backup of all my TCX files.

    I wear my fitbit flex 24/7 to keep track of daily activities.
    Fitbit page: http://www.fitbit.com/user/26Q7KP

    So I guess you'd say I use it all.

    I have used Runtastic in the past, as well as MapMyRun. I have one friend on each, which I follow, but I don't sync my activities to those apps anymore Runtastic has a neat new update I've noticed.

    YMMV

    bump.
  • nicca_jb
    nicca_jb Posts: 1,278 Member
    Wow guys - thank you for the awesome responses! Don't have the cash for a Garmin yet, though it's on my list. I wear the Fitbit Flex 24/7 aside from charging times, and sync Fitbit to MFP, so I started syncing RunKeeper to the Fitbit as well (and just set up MMR to do the same if I choose to use it instead. I won't ever use both simultaneously as it would double-log).

    I'll also take a look at the other apps mentioned. I was really concerned with the accuracy I was getting on both RK and MMR, but after checking an actual map I can concur that RK maps are more on target.

    Wish more of my friends used RK... maybe I'll have to snoop around the other apps to see if I know anyone. :laugh:
  • ortega1990
    ortega1990 Posts: 236 Member
    I've been using RunKeeper for over a year, and while it's not 100% accurate on the distances, it's close. I've worn on on 5Ks and it's not too far off on distances... yesterday I used it when running on a track and it was pretty close in measuring the 1/4 mile around the track.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Personally I use Endomondo as the website has far better analysis tools than the others, I also use Runkeeper as I've got a lot more history on there, about five years worth.

    I've used MMR in the past and found it unreliable. It would lose sessions when trying to synch, crash randomly and the gps handling was inconsistent.

    Runtastic is popular, personally I found it a battery hog and the payment schedule is quite involved. With Runkeeper and Endomondo you get access to everything with one payment, with Runtastc you pay for each add on individually.

    Strava is good, I've recently started playing with it and the deep competitive element is a good feature, that said it's fairly expensive compared to the rest, for the premium version.

    At the moment I would recommend Endomondo or Runkeeper, and I'd counsel against MMR or Runtastic. Strava is growing on me.
  • Novus175
    Novus175 Posts: 80
    I use a Nike+ sportsband. Super simple to use and accurate. The Nike+ also has an ap that most of my irl running friends use.
  • TAsunder
    TAsunder Posts: 423 Member
    None of the above. iSmoothRun is the only app I've used that has every feature I want. Second to that would be Runtastic.

    What I love about iSmoothRun:

    Cadence feature - tracks your cadence, you can set it to activate a metronome if your cadence falls out of a specific range, or you can have it always on

    Shoe tracking - better than the other apps when I tried them

    Run/Walk intervals are a bit better integrated

    Wide variety of options for voice prompts

    Seemingly less battery drain than some other apps

    No hidden fees

    Integrates with Pebble with its own app -- way better than the stock fitness app
  • robgmartin
    robgmartin Posts: 10 Member
    use iSmoothRun and connect it to both services, fitbit, and MFP. it is by far the best app especially if you have a pebble. Also, get a BT heart rate monitor.
  • ekz13
    ekz13 Posts: 725 Member
    I use endo for walking, and I have a garmin 210 for my runs...


    side note

    earndit is a nice little site that you link your workouts too and get points for and then you can win stuff, trophy stuff, etc... just something fun to see your points building for working out (if folks aren't already on it)
  • alska
    alska Posts: 300 Member
    I use the Endomondo free app. on my phone .... I love love love it!
  • astocks87
    astocks87 Posts: 2
    Im with you. Strava is the best of the bunch
  • Emmy360
    Emmy360 Posts: 69 Member
    I use and prefer runkeeper as i can set goals n see how im doing...no friends as yet :grumble:llols
  • nicca_jb
    nicca_jb Posts: 1,278 Member
    earndit is a nice little site that you link your workouts too and get points for and then you can win stuff, trophy stuff, etc... just something fun to see your points building for working out (if folks aren't already on it)

    How is earndit different from Pact (or is it not winning real stuff, but more virtual achievements)? Just curious - I haven't really looked at either yet, but Pact makes me wary because I don't want to have to pay if I miss a run ;)

    On the app note, I'm looking into Strava and Endo. I'm an Android gal, so no iSmoothRun for me... and I'm using my phone primarily because I'm finishing C25K, so a somewhat "accurate" activity gauge on the phone is something worth having, regardless of how obnoxious it is to carry the phone. lol

    Emmy, if you want to add me on RK, I at least have the account...
    http://runkeeper.com/user/laylagabrielle/profile

    robgmartin, is the HRM worth having? I mean, Fitbit guesstimates my burn based on activity level and BMI, so it would be interesting to see how close it really is... but I haven't made the additional purchase mostly because I don't want more junk on my arm as I'm running.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    is the HRM worth having?

    I have Polar FT60, I don't use it to estimate calorie expenditure but mainly as a guide to effort when I'm training.

    For the long slow run I'll stick to 140-150 bpm, for a tempo I'll be around 170-180 bpm and for intervals I'll anticipate being in the 190-200 bpm range.
  • ekz13
    ekz13 Posts: 725 Member
    earndit is a nice little site that you link your workouts too and get points for and then you can win stuff, trophy stuff, etc... just something fun to see your points building for working out (if folks aren't already on it)

    How is earndit different from Pact (or is it not winning real stuff, but more virtual achievements)? Just curious - I haven't really looked at either yet, but Pact makes me wary because I don't want to have to pay if I miss a run ;)
    ...


    sorry for the delay...

    earndit has no $$ involved, you link your fitness device/account of choice and when you do/complete/perform a supported workout (usually a GPS type thing, running, walking, biking, hiking, riding, etc) those times/distances get converted to points and you just rack them up.

    then vendors will offer a 10$ off or whatever for XXXX amount of points, some of the stuff is neat.. other times they have a raffle type event where entries are 50 pts a piece and you can buy however many you want.

    no pentalty for not doing or under achieving type issue, just don't get any points. ( points are something like 1pt= 1 mile walk/run, 1 pt = 5mile bike or something like that... but it lists them out.. ) and you can get points for other stuff too. and the trophies are just "nice to haves" don't do anything for ya but braggin

Categories