Author Topic: Running App that actually works?  (Read 1611 times)

Cowardly Toaster

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Running App that actually works?
« on: August 12, 2019, 11:21:10 AM »
Hello all,

Right now I'm doing some training for a physical test. My workouts often call for intervals, and the actual test has 2 running events where fractions of seconds can make the difference between pass or fail.

My question is, does anyone know of a running app that actually can serve as a stopwatch? All I need is for the app to measure the distance I run and stop the clock when I complete it so I can at least get some idea on what my times are (GPS being what it is I know measuring to the fraction of the second for a distance is probably realistic).

I've been using Runkeeper, which I like ok except that when I complete, for example, a 800 meter interval, the clock keeps going. By the time I hear the notification and unlock my phone, seconds have passed and I don't have any sort of accurate time. I've tried other apps and they all seem even worse than Runkeeper but am interested to hear any recommendations.


dandarc

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2019, 11:35:33 AM »
? Runkeeper says it keeps splits for interval workouts https://support.runkeeper.com/hc/en-us/articles/201827433-Creating-Custom-Interval-One-Off-Workouts

If you need an accurate 800 meter time, then you have to run on a track and use a stop-watch - many running watches have stop-watch with a lap button if you can't get someone else to time you. Using GPS for short distances, the potential error in measuring the distance is too great.

Rocky Mtn FI

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2019, 02:59:35 PM »
+ 1 to dandarc there.  If your situation is as tight as you describe ("fractions of seconds can make the difference"), your best bet is to find a track and a stopwatch.  Nothing else will be as accurate.  A stopwatch should be a basic feature on even the cheapest sport-oriented digital watches.

mm1970

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2019, 07:01:40 PM »
I use a Garmin running watch.  I can program the app and send the workout to my watch.  The watch will buzz at me when I hit whatever the interval is.

Example, I can set it for multiple rounds of 400 m repeats with 1 minute rest.  It will buzz at me when my 400m repeats are done, and buzz again when my rest times are done.  The info (times) are stored in the Garmin app when the watch links back to it.

icyappraiser

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2019, 08:17:25 AM »
Strava is fantastic. Highly recommend it.

Proud Foot

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2019, 11:40:40 AM »
I use a Garmin running watch.  I can program the app and send the workout to my watch.  The watch will buzz at me when I hit whatever the interval is.

Example, I can set it for multiple rounds of 400 m repeats with 1 minute rest.  It will buzz at me when my 400m repeats are done, and buzz again when my rest times are done.  The info (times) are stored in the Garmin app when the watch links back to it.

I did not know Garmin watches could do that. Very cool.  I have been thinking about getting one and knowing it can do that is helpful. Which one did you get?

leonblack

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2019, 10:45:07 AM »
Strava is fantastic. Highly recommend it.

mm1970

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #7 on: August 15, 2019, 11:02:32 AM »
I use a Garmin running watch.  I can program the app and send the workout to my watch.  The watch will buzz at me when I hit whatever the interval is.

Example, I can set it for multiple rounds of 400 m repeats with 1 minute rest.  It will buzz at me when my 400m repeats are done, and buzz again when my rest times are done.  The info (times) are stored in the Garmin app when the watch links back to it.

I did not know Garmin watches could do that. Very cool.  I have been thinking about getting one and knowing it can do that is helpful. Which one did you get?
The particular GPS watch that I have is the Garmin Forerunner 235.  There are a variety of others.  I like this one, but I admit I had NO IDEA it was a smart watch when I bought it.  I started seeing notifications on my wrist and it freaked me out.  (Can't send texts from it though, just receive them.)

Cowardly Toaster

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Re: Running App that actually works?
« Reply #8 on: August 16, 2019, 10:29:09 AM »
Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!