Monday, August 22, 2011

Running with an Android...

Running with an Android...
That sounds funny. When I think of an Android I'm still thinking this


not this

Ah well...

Running with my Android phone is for the most part enjoyable. I have been using runkeeper happily for about 6 months now. Long enough for it to be a big part of my runs, and happily so, until about a week ago. Then it started randomly shutting down on me. As you may recall it shut down on me during my 12 miler, it also shut down on me during my 14 miler. Now I thought it could just be my phone. So,I reset the whole phone to factory settings, yes I am that nuts about my running. I re-downloaded the runkeeper app and used it today for a 6 mile run, and guess what.... it shut down on me again. Grrrrr. Looks like I'm not the only one experiencing this either but so close to my race I can't afford to risk it crashing on me. So, I'm looking for a new app. One that doesn't randomly shut down for no reason.

Although, to be fair. I ran with it and loved it for 6 months, even now when it shuts down it does keep the information that was saved up to the point when it shut down, you don't lose all that data which is nice. But still. Once it shuts down you have to stop wait for the phone to reboot(cause it turns your whole phone off and restarts it). Then you have to get a new activity session going and then you can finish your run. That sucks. The positive side of runkeeper is that it does give you time, pace, distance, elevation, maps, verbal cues as to pace, distance, and speed, and you can link it up with facebook and twitter. I used all those features without issue for about 6 months. I figured I'd give ya the good and the bad in case you wanna try it out for yourself.

As for me, I think I'll be switching. I guess I'll be trying out new apps for awhile now...sigh. Looks like the first try is going to be Runstar that one looks pretty nice. Maybe better than runkeeper. But, looks like a lot of the cool features are locked in the free version. Although, if it's pretty accurate and runs without crashing I might splurge and pay the $4.52 for the pro version.

Today was my rest day. But, I ran anyway. Today was a run day for hubby so I decided to run with him. He, after all, is going to take on the half marathon and run/walk it with my sis-in-law. He is going to try a run 2 mile, walk 2 mile, attack method to get done. Today we did 6 miles. That was a lot for my tired legs. But the slower pace helped me get through it.

Todays Half Marathon training:
Time: 1:41:22
Distance: 5.98 miles
Pace:16:57

3 comments:

Al's CL Reviews said...

Interesting...I don't have that app, but I've noticed for the past 2 or 3 weeks, my phone randomly shuts off and restarts.

K∆┼ said...

I did read somewhere that it could be condensation on the battery from being hot and sweaty when using it. I keep mine in an arm band...but that arm band does get soaked. Maybe that's what's causing it to shut down? Well, I'm on it. I'm going to test it out and see if I can figure this mystery out.

Amy @ {Life to the Full} said...

I used to run with my Android, too, and had issues with the RunKeeper app! I didn't have an armband to carry it, so I put it in a ziplock bag and taped it around my waist. Yep... resourceful :) The phone was dry, but it still had issues! Now I have a non-smart phone and use a Garmin instead - it's been going strong for 2 years now.