Using apps during race?

Have you considered a watch that gives you the data you want? Plenty of inexpensive watches are available that could help you stay on pace. Garmin and others have watches that capture all sorts of data, sync with your phone post race, and display a map of your run on their Garmin Connect portal afterwards.

The only time I've raced with my phone is if I didn't have someone at the start I could pass my stuff to, and the marathon - so I could text/find my people cheering me on. Definitely don't do headphones. It'll be so much more exciting being in the atmosphere. As for splits - a watch would be ideal. If it's a big race, I take note of the time I started the line vs. chip time and just do the math in my head between each mile. You can get a great, simple watch cheap - just check amazon. Timex is reliable and affordable.

ETA: I don't like having anything extra when I run. No music/phone etc. I only carry my phone because I feel like I have to for safety reasons. Just in case. I love hearing the sounds of the lake the traffic, the birds, people.. etc

I used to use my phone for races before I got my Garmin (before that I used a Polar watch as well). I had the same issue starting the activity so I tried a few things... I first got an Android watch which turned out to not work so well - battery issues. Then I got a Pebble watch which worked 'sometimes' (when it wouldn't lose connection with my phone). I finally gave up and went back to a real tracking watch.

BTW - If the race does not allow headphones, I don't run in it. This is especially true for longer races. No way I'm running 3+ hours without some serious rock & roll.

I use a Garmin Vivosmart HR+ and keep my phone in a Spibelt. I like to use music to help me keep pace but i keep the volume down a bit so I can still hear what's going on around me.

A little different because I'm a cyclist and have a bike computer mounted to my handle bars that's tracks all my race data and uploads it to the strava app. But I usually carry my phone as well. My smart watch can upload to the app of my choice and if I was a runner, that is probably all I would carry.

powellkj wrote: »

So I don't usually race with my phone, but I use map my fitness when I'm out for a regular run. I really love hearing my splits though and I'm considering taking it with me during my next 5K.

So my questions are has anyone tried this? How did you start the app at the beginning of the race without slowing yourself down? And did you find it distracting to have earphones during a race? I would hate for the earphones to dull the race excitement since that really helps me get my best times. Thanks!

I guess I don't really understand the first question. I assume you'd have the app loaded and ready when you were staging for the start... then just hit the start button when appropriate - either at the gun or when you actually crossed the starting line. In either case, a quick glance at your phone and push of a button shouldn't have any meaningful impact on your speed/pace. Additionally, the starts of every race I've ever done are so congested that it wouldn't matter... I'd be less apt to trip over someone because I was looking at my phone than I was to have my pace negatively impacted. It's often a good 1/4mi before the race thins out enough to where I can settle into a good, steady pace.

As for the second question... I never use headphones because it does dull the race experience (for me). Plus, I just hate having extra things with me. But that's my personal preference. I do agree that many races don't allow headphones on course, so that's something to consider (many people don't care, though). Additionally, you could use the speaker on your phone... the cues/times don't have to go through headphones. Lastly, most apps have splits/pace/times displayed, so you could just click your phone on every so often if you didn't have a good option for audible cues.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind hearing splits called out, but those who run with their music on a speaker for all to hear are very annoying.

I have the app loaded before the start, so its just a matter of tapping the screen once when I want it to start.

I like hearing the splits also. Helps me focus, keep my pace in check, etc. I did a 10k on the 11th where there was a no headsets rule, so was going to just not hear my splits. But I saw others had earbuds, so I got mine out of the car. I did not play music, but had my splits announced. This run was on a trail, and the trail was not closed to regular use, so that was the reason for the no earbuds rule. THey wanted people to be able to pay attention to their surroundings. But since it was not enforced I saw no harm in taking mine. Plus I was still able to watch, listen for what was happening around me.

powellkj wrote: »

So I don't usually race with my phone, but I use map my fitness when I'm out for a regular run. I really love hearing my splits though and I'm considering taking it with me during my next 5K.

So my questions are has anyone tried this? How did you start the app at the beginning of the race without slowing yourself down? And did you find it distracting to have earphones during a race? I would hate for the earphones to dull the race excitement since that really helps me get my best times. Thanks!