Friday Finds: Run ‘Appy in 2014, Trade in To Win and More

If you have “start running” (or “improve running”) as a 2014 resolution, check out Strava Run. Strava is an GPS based app that tracks your runs. With a 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.

The app has a clean, simple user interface. 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.”

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 can see the change per run.

The 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 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:

• Custom Leaderboards: Filter leaderboards by your age group or weight class to see where you stack up against your peers.
• Progress Goals: Set weekly distance or time goals and hit those PRs.
• Filtered Leaderboards: See where you stack up in your age & weight class.
• Suffer Score: Customize your heart rate zones to quantify your suffering.
• Segment Effort Comparison: Track your performance on favorite segments over time. (Mobile only)
• GPX Export: Grab a great route that you see and upload it to your Garmin.
• Train with Power (Cycling): Train more intelligently and dial into your workout.
• 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!

I encourage you to try the free app today! I am afraid I became a bit obsessed…

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Also, by sending in your device you are automatically entered into Gazelle‘s Become a Gazellionaire™ Sweepstakes. One lucky person will win $1 million.Entries accepted until 12/31/13 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Visit Gazelle for more info.

Visit Gazelle today, see what your device is worth, and trade it in for a chance to win $1 million! 

The fine print: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The Become a Gazellionaire Sweepstakes starts on 9/9/13 at 12 a.m. (midnight) ET and ends on 12/31/13 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Visit Gazelle.com/sweeps for Official Rules and complete details on how to register, entry instructions, including how to enter without a transaction, odds of winning, etc. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18 years or older. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law. Sponsor: Gazelle, Inc.

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