Using mobile phone for GPS, speed and HRM etc

u60gypx5jakoti

Hi, does anyone here use their mobile phone with apps to track routes, show times, speed, and even heart rate while out running?
I`m new to running and trying to find a cost effective way of doing all this, as opposed to shelling out for some expensive Garmin or Polar.
One would also obviously need some form of waterproof case and strap to securely run with the phone. I have an HTC Desire android phone, and have seen this strap
http://www.igadgitz.com/products/u0664-igadgitz-black-neoprene-sports-gym-jogging-armband-for-htc-desire-bravo-g7-android-smartphone-.html

and apps like endomondo, cardiotrainer and sporttrackslive recommended. Any opinions on this alternative to the typical runners watch?
I also believe these apps have voice features to give you your information every minute or so, by using earphones or a bluetooth headset so as to avoid having to look at your phone to check. Once again, has anyone any experience with this?

And finally, for HRM functionality, I have seen the Zephyr HxM™ Bluetooth strap recommended
http://runningdigital.com/2010/06/01/zephyrs-hxm-bluetooth-heart-rate-monitor-review/

or the Polar WearLink®+ transmitter with Bluetooth®
http://www.polar.fi/en/products/accessories/Polar_WearLink_transmitter_with_Bluetooth

Thanks for any help ye might have.

Idioteque

Isaac Delicious Canoe wrote: »

Hi, does anyone here use their mobile phone with apps to track routes, show times, speed, and even heart rate while out running?
I`m new to running and trying to find a cost effective way of doing all this, as opposed to shelling out for some expensive Garmin or Polar.
One would also obviously need some form of waterproof case and strap to securely run with the phone. I have an HTC Desire android phone, and have seen this strap
http://www.igadgitz.com/products/u0664-igadgitz-black-neoprene-sports-gym-jogging-armband-for-htc-desire-bravo-g7-android-smartphone-.html

and apps like endomondo, cardiotrainer and sporttrackslive recommended. Any opinions on this alternative to the typical runners watch?
I also believe these apps have voice features to give you your information every minute or so, by using earphones or a bluetooth headset so as to avoid having to look at your phone to check. Once again, has anyone any experience with this?

And finally, for HRM functionality, I have seen the Zephyr HxM™ Bluetooth strap recommended
http://runningdigital.com/2010/06/01/zephyrs-hxm-bluetooth-heart-rate-monitor-review/

or the Polar WearLink®+ transmitter with Bluetooth®
http://www.polar.fi/en/products/accessories/Polar_WearLink_transmitter_with_Bluetooth

Thanks for any help ye might have.

Howdy,

I'm using a Nokia 5800 purely just for this (can get them dirt cheap in comparison to high end smartphones).
The app I use is called 'Sportstracker' and I find it very good. Here the site if you want to check it out..
It's due to be compatible with Android in next few weeks (Used to be just for Nokia Symbian devices)

http://www.sports-tracker.com/

I use a Polar HR monitor with it that pairs via bluetooth.

For an arm strap I bought one in NYC when on hols a few years back that works with a few different sizes so I'd say just have a look online and you'll find a waterproof adjustable one cheap as chips.
Irish fit have some )don't know about waterproof though)
http://www.irishfit.eu/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=32_68&products_id=1155

Idioteque

tHE vAGGABOND

I use Nike+ GPS app on my iPhone..

I have a garmin too, but every single run I have ever done [or close enuf to!] is on the Nike+ app, so I keep using it in races and stuff [which is plain stupid to have two GPS items, I know, but *shrug*]

opus

Isaac Delicious Canoe wrote: »

Hi, does anyone here use their mobile phone with apps to track routes, show times, speed, and even heart rate while out running?
I`m new to running and trying to find a cost effective way of doing all this, as opposed to shelling out for some expensive Garmin or Polar.
One would also obviously need some form of waterproof case and strap to securely run with the phone. I have an HTC Desire android phone, and have seen this strap
http://www.igadgitz.com/products/u0664-igadgitz-black-neoprene-sports-gym-jogging-armband-for-htc-desire-bravo-g7-android-smartphone-.html

and apps like endomondo, cardiotrainer and sporttrackslive recommended. Any opinions on this alternative to the typical runners watch?
I also believe these apps have voice features to give you your information every minute or so, by using earphones or a bluetooth headset so as to avoid having to look at your phone to check. Once again, has anyone any experience with this?

I have that very same arm strap for my Desire & it works fine, just watch out in case you have big upper arms (I don't) as it might not fit. Used it with Runkeeper Pro while my Garmin was being replaced. The app lost the gps lock a few times while I was using it but that might be down to the non-standard ROM I was using. Annoying thing is that it doesn't tell you so I had to have it set to announce the distance every 500m so I'd know whenever it lost signal.

The app does let you break up a run into segments for training but doesn't let you set a desired pace so the only way you can see if you're doing ok is to look at the screen to check speed. I could live with that if I was able to find a way to lock it in landscape mode so it was easy to read when strapped to my arm but wasn't able to do that. Only tried Runkeeper Pro so can't really say for the others.

Was pretty handy to have music/podcasts & the tracker all in one device.

Idioteque wrote: »

I'm using a Nokia 5800 purely just for this (can get them dirt cheap in comparison to high end smartphones).
The app I use is called 'Sportstracker' and I find it very good. Here the site if you want to check it out..
It's due to be compatible with Android in next few weeks (Used to be just for Nokia Symbian devices)

http://www.sports-tracker.com/

I used Sportstracker on a Nokia as well before getting a Garmin, very good application I have to say. Used to just run with the phone in plastic bag in the pocket of my shorts so had to take it out if I wanted to check anything.

u60gypx5jakoti

I`ve ordered the igadtitz armband after getting positive feedback about it, my arms will fit the dimensions of it fine.
I will also use a bluetooth earpiece to receive voice feedback from the app on my phone, so as eliminating the need to look at it midrun. Want to keep one ear open for people/traffic. Tried it so far with the phone in my hand and it works well, pace updates every 2mins to keep me on track. No prob with GPS as I run in Phoenix Park.
Used SportsTracker from sportstracklive so far, going to give endomondo and cardiotrainer a go too to see which I prefer. Might invest in the zephyr hrm in a month or two when I start a marathon training programme.

opinion guy

Anyone know where to find a Zephyr HxM for non-outrageous prices ?

Also - anyone know if HTC are getting around to enabling ANT+ on their phones ? There was alot of chatter about this in 2010 but nothing seems to have happend