Now that the weather is nice here, I am spending a lot of time outside on the run – YAY! For the second week in a row, this “Tried it Tuesday” is a running edition. Today, I share a tool and two awesome innovations on products you may already have that will help you on the go!
In December, I checked out Strava Run in a “Friday Finds” segment. Strava has made some cool updates, so I was asked to share them with you in exhange for the opportunity to giveaway some Strava swag + other goodies. Since I dig Strava (and goodies), I was happy to post about the update. Since I posted the original review over the holidays when lots of people were busy, I am going to share the whole thing again and note what is new.
Strava Run is an GPS based app that tracks your runs. With their FREE app/account, you get mile splits, elevation, maps and “challenges.” The app tracks time moving and stopped, splits per mile, elevation change per mile and shows you maps. I liked that it does not keep the screen lit, so the draw on the iPhone power was very minimal. But, it takes getting used to as you don’t know your progress unless you use a GPS watch linked to the app. This is great for people who get stressed about keeping up with their Garmin pace. I mean you if you stare at the watch to your own peril and those around you.
The app has a clean, simple user interface which has gotten even better with the update. The screen goes dark, but the app does not count standing time in your splits, so if you have to stop for lights, you don’t get “dinged” – I like that! You just tap the start button to begin and finish (appears after you have started) and save when you have completed your run. All of your runs get saved to the app and to the web portal. You can review on your device (see screens here) or on the portal. The app also ranks your performance compared to others on your routes and tells you if you have run a “course record” or a “personal record” for the route/distance you have run. That adds a little fun to the results.
The newest version offers:
- Ability to share photos via Instagram. You can link your Strava and Instagram accounts so whenever you take cool pictures on your run, you can share them on Strava and Instagram. The photo shows up in the activity feed.
- Ability to track your gear! This is a great way to figure out how many miles you’re putting on your running shoes.
- A redesigned interface. The look of the mobile app has changed so that you can see the maps of people’s workouts and more of their workout information then just the title. (Not shown)
Running in Chicago was kind of basic. There are no elevation change, even pace (more or less), but I liked seeing the splits and map nonetheless.
It was SO fun to see the splits and elevation change when I was running near Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles. That was awesome. I love all of the stats. I ran the same course a few times, so I saw the changes per run.
The online portal shows summary, performance/”placings”, map, splits and elevation on one screen. The portal also tracks all of the runs you do with the app in a calendar format so you can keep an online training log.
You can download the free Strava Run iPhone app (or Download the free Strava Run for Android) and track your runs. Once you complete and save your run, the data is sent automatically to Strava.com. Learn about external devices that are compatible with apps here.
Want more? For $6/month or $59/year, you can try Strava Premium. It gives you even more ways to compete with local athletes and compare your performance. It offers:
- Real Time Segments: See segment time immediately after completing a segment and see how you compare to others.
- Custom Leaderboards: Filter leaderboards by your age group or weight class to see where you stack up against your peers.
- Suffer Score: Customize your heart rate zones to quantify your suffering.
- Segment Effort Comparison: Track your performance on favorite segments over time. (Mobile only)
- Pace Zone Analysis (Run): Find the right pace and train effectively for the next event.
- Exclusive Premium club member access and surprises throughout the year and more!
I encourage you to try the free app today! If you do, let me know. We can see each other’s runs and offer kudos and comments.
Good news, the folks at Outside PR offered me a some swag from Strava (waterbottle and jersey bib waterproof pouch), a variety of GU Energy products and a Road ID coupon valued at $35 for one lucky winner for checking out Strava! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win the Strava + swagbag! The giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years of age and over and is void where prohibited. The giveaway ends June 18 and a winner will be selected and notified on June 19th.
Please note: I was not compensated for this review. I was offered some product and the giveaway in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Kristin and I did the Ridge Run “Challenge” on Memorial Day. It was a 10K at 8:00 AM and a 5K at 9:30 AM. The first humid warm day of May made it even more of a challenge. We did have fun and we met Olympic Long Track Speed Skater Brian Hansen and got to check out his new product Bottlebark. Bottlebark is a stainless steel waterbottle with a foam roller on the outside so you can easily stay hydrated AND bring your foam roller with you when you travel. How clever is that?
Here is more about Bottlebark:
“Behind bottlebark are brothers Brian and Stephen Hansen. Brian is an Olympic silver medalist in long track speed skating and Stephen is an engineering student at University of Wisconsin Madison. While traveling on the world cup circuit, Brian brought his foam roller and water bottle to all his competitions and workouts. Searching for an easier way to bring around a foam roller, he started using a sleeve instead of bringing a foam roller separately. Enough people liked it that we decided to turn the idea into a reality. And so bottlebark was born.”
We both got a Bottlebark to try and will definitely bring it on our summer racing trips! Kristin can report back after Grandma’s Marathon! The Bottlebark comes in a variety of colors and two sizes (25 oz. or 27 oz.)/bottle styles (wide mouth or small mouth). The small mouthed bottle has a carabeener to attach it to a backpack or bag. The prices range from $25 – $30. Don’t be jealous, but we got a special race day price!
Check out and shop for Bottlebark HERE and keep up to date with this cool start up on Facebook and Twitter.
When the husband and I went to Cincinnati a few weekends ago, we checked out Findlay Market and one of the outside stalls was BANDI. BANDI makes awesome running belts, headbands (with pockets for your money and key!) and passport belts. They have a ton of cool patterns and the material is stretchy but strong. I wrote to BANDI and they sent me a belt to try out. I am really boring when it comes to this stuff and usually go with black. To be a bit different, I picked “Night Garden.”
The BANDI belt features a low-profile, center release buckle and tri-glide for an adjustable, no-bounce fit. The unique fold pocket secures everything inside in a new way without the use of bulky zippers or fasteners. Soft, spandex knit fabric has the added benefit of stretching to conform to the body. It is “so comfortable, you will hardly know you have it on!”
I stowed my phone and money/credit card and key and headed out for a 10 mile run. It was super comfortable and not noticeable. And unlike some belts that I have tried – no bounce and no chafing. YAY! You wear the fold in towards your body and it is secure. I was not worried about things falling out. The pocket was perfect for my iPhone. I am not sure how well it would work for a larger phone. For larger phones, they offer Passport belts which are the same but offer larger pockets. I will definitely be getting some of these for traveling and gifting. The material is comfortable enough to wear close to your skin. I am a believer.
Sound interesting? You can check out BANDI’s website or follow them on Facebook or Twitter. And great news for readers, I am working with BANDI on a more detailed review and a great giveaway, too! So stay tuned for details!
What have you tried lately??
PS. Don’t forget my 3 active giveaways!