Running App that actually works?

[Cowardly Toaster]

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]

? 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]

+ 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]

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]

Strava is fantastic. Highly recommend it.

[Proud Foot]

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]

Strava is fantastic. Highly recommend it.

[mm1970]

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]

Thanks for the replies everyone.