I use the map my run app to track my running - it tells me my distance/time per mile as I run then I can pull it up on my computer after my run. You can also go to the website and map out a course to get distance. The 5 mile run I did this weekend did NOT match the race route. My app said I hit 5 miles where the course had me w/ about a 1/3 mile to go. I even tried to map out the course on the map my run site and it didn't quite match either [course was longer] so I'm wondering - which is right?
Does anyone use a running app like map my run or run keeper and if so, how accurate do you find it to be? How else do you measure out your runs??
There's always a margin of error with course measuring. I think race courses use the outside curves to measure, so if you take the inside curves your GPS will show up shorter. I did a 5K using the EaseInto5K app to keep my time and I passed through the finish line and the app said I still had .1 to go.
I wouldn't worry about it unless its off by .5 or more.
I use endomondo and I find it's EXTREMELY accurate. While it could be your device's GPS that's messing around with the apps, I've used Endomondo on a Droid Incredible and iPhone 4s and found that in both instances it was able to trace my route accurately.
Certain devices are known to have GPS problems though, so it might be worth checking that out.
I use map my run also! I love it! I do think it's fairly accurate though. And I agree with seagirl. I might "mapmyrun" on the same roads and have a .3 or mor difference just depending on what side of the street I ran on or how many kids I had to run around... The little changes in my actual path really add up.
Yea, I just checked some of my recent runs and it kind of zig zags me a little bit - like I know I run a straight line the first mile, but it's not entirely straight when recorded. And when I'm running along the water, it has been running in the water in a few spots. So it's not perfect, but I don't think it's too far off. I was just surprised that it was an entire 3rd of a mile off for this 5 mile run...
Running Apps & Accuracy
