Fat Dad » Product Reviews

Run Keeper Pro 2.0

fatdad — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:23:17 +0000

If you have been following my running logs you know that I have been using Run Keeper Pro on my iPhone to track my progress.

Yesterday they released version 2.0 with the following upgrades:

both current and average pace/speed on the main tracking screen
improved photo taking
improved layout and data access
swiping between screens
run stats on the map screen
easier to access splits and training workout display
calories burned in-app as well as the website
new start screen
easier to define pre-set settings
easier to toggle between GPS mode and manual activity input

The screens are a bit more intuitive and cleaner so I like the new version. I do wish there was a auto pause when stopped at a light and the ability to split out my running vs walking stats. Maybe those will be in version 3.0. I have been asked to be a Beta Tester for Run Keeper but not sure I have the time to be one.

I have taken some screen shots for those that like to see what it looks like.

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Run Keeper iPhone Review

fatdad — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:28:32 +0000

When I started running it became clear very early that I wanted to track how far, speed and map where I went so I could go back and compare my results and track my improvement while I trained. Many of the runners I have become friends with use a Garmin watch which tracks their heart rate and gps. These devices are excellent resources for tracking all your details and fit comfortably on your wrist.

When it came time to do this myself I already had a heart rate monitor and a gps device built in to my iPhone. I use my ph0ne to listen to music so I already take it with me. It was my mission to find an application for the iPhone which would allow me to track my running stats and let me listen to music. There were many suggestions but after reading the review and features I found Run Keeper. This little application is amazing and does almost everything you would ever want.

The features I find handy are the custom set audio queues. So if your doing 10′s and 1′s you can set it to prompt you through your headphones. You can listen to music while you run and it gives you a great map, and stats after your done. The application has a free version with limited abilities but the paid version is well worth the $9.99 it costs.

Features I would like to see added to it are…

Auto pause feature for when your waiting at a light. Some of the Garmin watches will not track the time that your standing still which gives you a more accurate pace.
Ability to drill down on stats and separate. The website gives stats but it would be nice if it let you have more control of those stats. For example if you could see the stats on your running vs walking.
No phone mode would be a nice feature. I was running with it and someone called. I will never answer the phone when I am in the middle of the run so it would be nice if it could disable that feature. Also the phone call interrupted my music so another reason to disable it.
More social aspects. They need the ability to bring together runners in your area. It does allow you to find others using Facebook but that is only good for people you know already and not a way to get to know new friends who are runners.
A safety mode could also be added that if your in one spot standing still for more then 10 minutes a page/email is sent to a preset person with your last know position and maybe a link to google map so they can print it and come find you.

If you do not have an iPhone then I would recommend buying a Garmin as it is a great device. If you do have an iPhone then this app is a great solution.

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Running With an iPhone

fatdad — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:07 +0000

Music while I am running helps me dig down and find the inspiration to push harder and further. Music also gives me a tempo to run to. I will discuss more of that in future posts about choosing tempo songs and even planning out songs for various routes. For the purpose of this post though is discuss running with your iPhone.

I have seen a few runners at the Running Room in Langley who whip out their iPhone after the run and play with it. I noticed that they don’t use it to listen to music or track there details of their run.

I do have an iPod and an iTouch which I could use but it just makes sense to me to use a iPhone. It gives me a GPS tracking tool, music player and emergency phone all in one.

Now after asking a few why they don’t use their iPhone is they say it is to heavy.

My solution for those that find it to be to heavy is to use an armband. You will see in the picture that the armband fits your iPhone and attaches to your bicep comfortably. This armband is less then $17 on Amazon and around $40 at BestBuy.

Do you use your iPhone to run? If not what is your excuse?

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Metabolic Typing Diet

fatdad — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:41:33 +0000

Have you ever wondered how some diets work for one but not for others? One theory is that we are different type of food processors. Some are carb people, some are protein people while others need a clear balance of carbs and proteins.

The P90X diet is based on Metabolic Typing Diet. You should see as you do the workouts and follow the diet which one works for your body type. If your not sure then you should consider buying the Metabolic Typing Diet Book which provides a questionnaire to help you with determine your type.

For losing weight and my most success so far with diets has been as a protein type. Does that mean that you are the same? No it means that you should either test for 30 days of each diet or take the questionnaire.

I am currently reading this book and suggest you pick it up if your are interested in understanding your body type more.

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

DailyBurn iPhone App Review

fatdad — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:58:01 +0000

Tracking my workouts is important to me. I have been doing it using the P90X Excel Worksheet which has been working well. You can see ahead to what is coming next and set up weights with the few seconds you have between sets faster. The problem with Excel is you need to have a computer or laptop with you to see it.

I thought I would see what options were available to me through the iPhone and found DailyBurn. This free application for the iPhone is easy to install and painless to register.

Once your signed in you can search for workouts that already exists and P90X has a few of them. Add them to your work out and then you can start using it to track your sets.

The advantages of Daily Burn is that it is very handy to have it in the palm of your hand. It is quick and easy to add your sets as you workout. As there are many people doing P90X finding the workouts is easy.

My suggestions for DailyBurn are having verified workouts for companies like P90X so the users know which one’s are correct. I have found several times the one I was using was wrong and caused me to have to stop my workout. You can of course add your own workouts to DailyBurn but that will take about 20-30 minutes for the P90X system.

I would also like to see the workout log to be available for export. I know personally I would love if it was available by RSS so it can be pulled in to my blog. I am sure others would like it to be exported to excel so they can crunch numbers.

After using this I think BeachBody could make there own application which you enter your start date and it tells you each day your day, workout and lets you track the workout. They could do it for every one of their exercise video’s. What do you think?

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Ultimate Body Press – Review – Part 1

fatdad — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:16:53 +0000

Want me to review your product? Contact me today.

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Trader Joe’s Review

fatdad — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:33:42 +0000

Today had my first visit to Trader Joe’s which is a health food grocery store. In Canada we do not have a Trader Joe’s so I figured while I was down in the US for some camping I would pop-in to see what all the hype was about.

The whole store is lined with healthy food and I could easily spend hours looking at each and every item and the calorie count.

As there is limited things we can bring back over the border I picked up a few things I wanted to have.

Low calorie shredded cheese is one that we do not have here in our local supermarket.

Better’n Peanut Butter is not something I can find in any of our local stores. I say some eating this on a video and the said it is great.

I was smelling this soap all the way home. I am going to smell yummy these next few weeks.

I found Trader Joe’s to be a great store to go to and now wish there was one near me so I can visit weekly as part of my grocery shopping.

What do you like to get at Trader Joe’s?

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Interval Training Timer

fatdad — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:22:15 +0000

To do interval training you will need a a timer. I picked up a Gymboss to do just that. This little clock clips on to you like a pager. You can set the workout time and rest time and it will automatically cycle through them. You can set it to buzz and/or vibrate so you know when to switch.

I have been using it for a few days now and I find it to be a very good investment.

If your going to do interval training or some HIIT I recommend this product.

What do you use for a timer?

Possible Related Posts

No related posts

Mizuno Shoes Review

fatdad — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:47:54 +0000

I have been using Mizuno shoes for the last 3 weeks. These shoes feel great and make running a joy. They are light weight and let your feet breath. If your looking for a shoe to use on the treadmill then I do recommend these shoes.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Want me to review your product? Catch me on twitter.

Possible Related Posts

No related posts