How to measure my runs?

[bluebug32]

I just started running to give my body a new challenge other than cycling. What's the best affordable and simple way to measure distance, speed, splits, etc? I don't think I'm going far enough to justify a Garmin, but seeing my improvement will definitely help me stick with this.

[HillSlugger]

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a great watch and is fairly "cheap" these days. The 205 is very similar but can't use a cadence sensor.

[OakLeaf]

If you're running either on roads/sidewalks or on trails that are visible from aerial photography, you can plot your course very accurately on mapmyrun.com .

Then a simple stopwatch can give you the rest of what you need to know. The timers in most phones have lap capability, if you have a way to make your phone's screen accessible when you run. If you have a smartphone, there's an iMapMy app that uses your phone's GPS - the free app is all I've used, and it worked quite well (aside from issues of simply being able to access the phone), but there are pay options as well.

[indigoiis]

I just use mapmyrun, look at the clock before I leave the house and when I get home. I do take a watch on long runs, but nothing fancy. Also, not for nothing but you can feel it when you're running better (or worse) than your base. Set up a few base runs in your neighborhood that you can run once a week so that you can gage improvement.

[bluebug32]

Thanks! It would be nice to know when I've run my fastest mile, etc. Winter is probably the hardest time to start running, but I'll see how long I can hang on before resorting to the trainer or cross country skiis.

I do have an iPhone, so I'll have to look into apps.

[jessmarimba]

Check out the RunKeeper app - it's free and has a gps tracking system. Even let's you start tracking, close the app, and start up some music while it jeeps paying attention.

[Kerry1976]

I use a Garmin 305 (but have used a 201 and 101) to log my runs. I am a strong supporter of RunningAhead.com. It is an amazing place to log your runs and a top-notch community of wonderful people. I can't say enough good about it. Also, there are multiple ways to log your runs (and other activities - it is limitless - i log bikes, strength, aquajogging, etc.) such as on a droid phone, etc. It also has a FB app so your FB friends can cheer you on as you work hard to reach your goals.

[zoom-zoom]

I use RunningAhead.com. Great with or without a Garmin.

[OakLeaf]

RunKeeper Pro for IOS and Android is free through the end of January (normally $9.95).

Haven't used it, don't know anything about it, just passing the info along.

http://runkeeper.com/fitness-app-download

[WindingRoad]

Looks like my BF set me up to get the 3GS which is good news Now I'm wondering if I should upgrade to the iPhone 4 bc I would like to run some of the medical pharmacology apps on it too which I have no experience with but it seems like it would be super helpful.