Thought I would share with my blog friends a helpful running, training, and get-in-shape website and app that is just so great and FREE! I use it quite often when I want to run in new places. I do not always know where I am going in the city, so it is helpful for me to have a plan in mind and know exactly how far I will be running.
MapMyRun.com is an awesome site that can do many things. First, you can use the “Map a Route” tool to draw out routes that you would like to take. The site will tell you the mileage of your route and will also give you any important information you might want to know about your route. For example, if there is construction on a road that you have used in your map, MapMyRun will let you know and suggest a better path. The site automatically saves any route you create so you can share it with friends or come back to it later.
The great thing about MapMyRun is that it is not just for running. Routes that are mapped can obviously be used for walking, biking, rollerblading, and the like. MapMyRun also has a bank of routes to choose from that other users have created and mapped in your area. There are several great bike paths and trails that I have discovered from viewing these already-created routes.
MapMyRun also allows users to keep a log of their foods/calories as well as keep a record of activity over time. I use this feature to try to keep me on track so I can see my “physical fitness over time”. Sometimes I cheat on the diet part…especially when it’s donut day at work! 🙂
Another reason I love MapMyRun is because you can add people as your “friends” just like Facebook, and then they can see all of your maps and activity and you can see theirs. Friends can also post words of encouragement and likes/dislikes about routes you post. I find it helpful to have friends on the site because it keeps you accountable for actually exercising! I need all the help I can get sometimes!
The iPhone app is very similar to the website and is very easy to use and dependable when you cannot get to a computer. Below is a video tutorial for beginners if you are interested in learning more about MapMyRun!
running this city 
I’ve never been a runner, but this is something i might use for planning log walks in new places. Now, if I can ever recover from the stress fracture in my foot. . .
I have used this app and loved it for tracking my runs, but I had no idea it had all these fancy features like connecting with friends! in my next life when I start running again, I will def check this out! 🙂
I love Map my run website. I have used it often and I love that it is so user friendly.
Wow… this is really cool. I never heard of this (now don’t chuckle at your technologically challenged friend!). This sounds like a great tool and although I am not a runner, I do like to rollerblade! Perhaps I will give it a try.