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Running outside is filled with benefits. It’s a lot less boring, there’s a lot more scenery and you can run in larger groups. However, one thing that running indoors has us beat on is that they are very accurate at measuring distance. This got me wondering, what’s the best way for a runner to track their distance?
You can track your running distance using traditional manual methods as well as more high-tech methods. Whilst many runners may choose to track their run using GPS, others may choose methods such as maps and yardsticks.
With all the different methods available for tracking running distance, we shouldn’t just be asking ourselves how we can track our running distance, but we should also be checking which way is best.
What Other Runners Think
So we know that there is more than one way to figure out have far you have run or will be running. But what do runners prefer to do? To figure that out I held a poll with a group of 275 runners to find out what they preferred using out of some of the most common methods – a map beforehand, GPS, and nothing as they don’t generally track their running distance. The results are in.
| Preferred Method | Votes |
| A Map Beforehand | 14 (5.1%) |
| GPS | 247 (89.8%) |
| Nothing, I don’t usually track my running distance | 14 (5.1%) |
“Hey Runners, what’s your most preferred method of tracking running distance?”
Granted, there are far more methods for tracking running distance than the ones listed above. Regardless of this, it’s clear that the huge majority of runners out there do prefer to track their run and they like to do so using GPS.
Some of the runners I questioned had this to say:
“I started running in the pre-GPS days and then fell out of the sport for a long time. One of the best things for motivation when I started up again was the effortless logging of runs and distance through GPS.
I kept some written logs at the time but only when I was training for something specific. They are all lost now. I have no real idea of my mileage pre GPS which I regret.
Now I can see so much more detail from the past few years including distances and routes. I find it great and really good for seeing incremental improvements.”
Caesars_Comet
“I use RunGo to plan new routes to the distance I want, and then my Apple Watch to record and track distance as I go”
ribenarockstar
Although using GPS to track running distance is the big winner here, it’s still worth comparing the upsides and downsides of both methods for tracking distance.
Tracking Distance Manually
Advantages
- Great If You Like Minimalist Running- If you’re a runner who enjoys heading out into wild terrain and getting away from it all, then you may see the positives in getting away from technology. Minimalist running is becoming more and more popular and tracking your running distance manually rather than using GPS is just one step closer to running as naturally as possible.
- Great For Focus- Whilst I see the benefit, I often get annoyed when the GPS I’m using gives me an update to let me know what specific point I’m at in my run. This is especially true if I’m listening to music and it’s cut out by my running app giving me an update of exactly where I am. At least when tracking distance manually you have a pretty good idea of how far you need to run, without being constantly interrupted.
- The Best Variety of Routes – A GPS device is often designed to give you the quickest and easiest route available. Although this can be great for runners who are wanting a fast and simple run, it’s going to do a disservice to runners who want to get out there and explore different areas at different times.
- Brilliant Accuracy- Depending on the form of manual tracking that you use, it can often be a lot more accurate than GPS tracking methods. If precision is key for your run, this is definitely the way to go.
Disadvantages
- Runners Miss Out On Everything GPS Has To Offer- GPS doesn’t just let runners know how far they are going, it also uses distances, as well as time to determine your pace, calories burned and even forecast the ideal time for runners to exercise based on things like their preferences and the weather. If you’re a runner who values all the bells and whistles, then running without GPS is going to be hard.
- Manual Methods Can Be Outdated- One of the reasons so many runners prefer running with GPS is because it’s so much easier to keep updated. Tracking distance using manual methods like maps is great until something along the route changes and maps have to be completely remade.
- Manual Methods Don’t Happen In Real Time- When tracking a running route manually, chances are that you’re either preparing for the run ahead of time or tracking the run after you’ve been there. It can be difficult to recall exactly where it was you ran. Or perhaps you decided to spontaneously go along a different route. If you’ve been tracking your running distance manually then you’ve got to figure it out all over again.
Walking Wheels
Walking wheels are an interesting one and not something that I’ve used in the past because I tend to run long distances. Essentially, a walking wheel is a manual method of tracking running distance by using a wheel that generally tracks around a yard of distance every time it goes full spin.
You can imagine how hard it would be to use a stick to measure the distance of something like a marathon. But they are excellent tools for measuring short distances such as running tracks and field length. They are also probably the most accurate. However, a lot of time and dedication has to be given when using a walking stick to measure distance and there is always room for human error.
If you’re looking for a walking wheel to measure your running distance then I would recommend getting your hands on this Zoleen Collapsible Wheel complete with a kickstand. By easily fitting into a standard size carrier bag, this wheel can be transported anywhere you want to measure running distance. Depending on your budget, runners can buy the cheap version and simply take down the measurement themselves. Alternativley, this wheel also comes with a digital reading option that can do it for you.
Websites
Using a website to track your distance is probably one of the simplest ways of doing things manually. Websites are perfect for updates, something that old-school maps cannot do. They’re also a lot less time-consuming than using a walking stick. More importantly, unlike many of the other methods in this article, websites that offer to track distance for runners are often free.
I like to think of using websites for tracking distance as a nice middle ground between tracking things manually and tracking distance with GPS. If runners have access to data on their phones, they can easily check the website to see exactly where they are and carry on from there. When looking for a website to help you figure out where to run and how far to run, try using something like Mopometer. This site can be changed depending on which country you’re from and allows you to save routes, clear them, and even work out the elevation of the route.
Maps
The most old-shool. Maps have been around this long for a good reason. They’re reliable. Maps are a great option for runners who plan on exercising in areas such as trails where there isn’t good signal. Despite the need to keep your map up to date, having a hardback way of measuring your running distance as well as ensuring that you can get back home is going to be perfect if your electric devices were to lose power or break. Runners should bear in mind that unless they are planning their distance ahead of time, carrying a map with them might be a burden. Maps can also be somewhat difficult to read.
GPS Tracking
If the study above in this article has taught me anything, it’s that tracking running distance with GPS is the way to go. But why is it that so many people think this?
Advantages
- Other People Can Track You Too- If you’re heading out into unknown territory, it helps to make sure a friend or family member knows where you are. You don’t necessarily need to use the same GPS tool for measuring your running distance to do this either. Many phones come with apps built in that allow you to quickly and easily send your GPS coordinates to others. Examples include Find My Friend and Google Maps.
- Consistent Updates- GPS tracking is excellent because it can keep you in the loop with how your run is progressing. Whilst I mentioned above that I don’t like it when my GPS tracking running app interrupts my music to tell me where I’m at in my run, I like having the option of checking out my current performance.
- Don’t Worry About Getting Lost- GPS software takes into account that people aren’t perfect and it’s there to help if you do become lost on your run, it’s also perfect for updating itself should you actively decide to change your route and running distance, saving you a lot of time if you’re wanting to figure it out further down the line.
Disadvantages
- Can Be Expensive- Depending on the GPS device that you plan on using, things can get pretty expensive. At the very least your going to need a smartphone with a free downloadable app. So it’s worth keeping cost in mind.
- Risky Relying On Tech- Technology is great until it doesn’t work. Using electronics to keep track of your running distance can leave you subject to dead batteries and faulty information. Furthermore, relying on tech completely means that you’re less likely to have an understanding of local knowledge and may also find it difficult to pick up basic skills such as map reading – I know I have.
- Privacy- Many apps and similar technologies out there use your location as part of their data collecting process. Whilst there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with this, runners should have a right to privacy if they want it.
- Not As Accurate – Although GPS can get a pretty good idea of your location. It’s usually inaccurate. Typically a GPS will mark the closest 10 meters that you are. So if you care about your running distance being as accurate as possible, using GPS may not be the best method.
Tracking With Your Phone
Using the GPS built into your phone is probably the cheapest way to measure your running distance within this method. There are tons of apps available for runners to choose from when it comes to tracking their running distance. Examples include Runkeeper, Runtastic, and Nike Run Club. My favorite one to use is Runtastic but they are all great for GPS tracking.
The big bonus that you get when using your phone to track running distance is that it comes with so many of the other typical uses of a smartphone that can be great for using on your run such as listening to music and making calls.
Want to hear what others have to say about which running app is best? Check out the video below from the guys at the running channel.
Tracking With Your Watch
Using a fitness watch with built-in GPS is another step up when it comes to tracking your running distance. The big difference between using your watch to track running distance vs your phone is that a watch is generally more accessible. What’s more, if you’re willing to spend the cash, they come with several benefits designed specifically for runners that go beyond simply tracking your running distance.
For example, this Running Watch By Garmin has been made not only with built-in GPS to track running distance, but it also tracks your heart rate steps, and intensity.
