iMapMyRun Uses iPhone’s GPS to Track Route & Store Run Data

A bunch of my colleagues are starting to train for upcoming 10Ks and fall marathons and while I can’t say I’m joining them, I’m cheering them on and have been talking up the iMapMyRun app. Even though my runs are confined to a mile of pushing a jogging stroller of 75 lbs of kids to the park in nice weather, iMapMyRun is good for novices like me or even the more hard core runners going for 26.2 miles.

At its most basic, iMapMyRun utilizes the iPhone’s built in GPS feature to track your run in real time. Launch the app and it will instantly know where you are. Hit start as you begin your run and it will mark your path on a Google map while recording duration, distance, speed, pace, and elevation. Note: iMap My Run does not take into account extra duress by pushing 75 lbs of children in said jogging stroller.

iMapMyRun has a free online component (MapMyRun.com) where users can create profiles and upload and save data to a training log. You can also view your route and workout history and also check out routes that others in your neighborhood take. Just be sure to set your privacy settings to block any runs beginning at your home address especially if you take similar routes for safety reasons. The site will automatically share your run paths but I didn’t like that my routes, especially those starting from my home, were shared with others who were searching for a similar workout. Call me paranoid but one can never be too careful!

A recent update allows users to share workout data with friends and family through e-mail and Twitter which could either serve as a motivator or a guilt trip to kick start others in your social network to jump start their exercise routine.

Summary: Overall, I like that iMapMyRun takes advantage of the iPhone’s built in GPS to provide useful information about my workout. I also found it useful that I could manually input other workouts in the event that I was cross training. Yoga counts, right?

Cost: I used the free iMapMyRun app. There is a paid version for $4.99 which boasts iPod integration that allows users to select and control music while running the app during a run, geo-tagging for uploading photos along your run route to MapMyRun.com’s site, and is ad free.

 

Download the free version of iMapMyRun here:

Download iMapMyRun+ for $4.99 here:

Note: MapMyFitness also makes a exercise related apps that correspond to their other websites. For example, there is iMapMyRide for cyclists and iMapMyFitness for outdoor enthusiasts. Online sites include MapMyTri for triathletes, MapMyMountain for ski enthusiasts, and MapMyWalk. I have not tried any of these other apps or sites by the same company.

I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own. Screenshots and logos courtesy of MapMyFitness. Be sure to consult a physician prior to engaging in an exercise program and all that good stuff.