ASICS Runkeeper—Run Tracker 4+

Runkeeper Ruined There App

Runkeeper went from having the best running app to having the worst. With the release of version 10.3 they ruined a great running app. Their intent with version 10.3 was to monitor your run using just the Apple Watch independent of your iPhone. The Apple Watch is supposed to provide a few of audio cues. Heart rate is not one of them. At best on a 5 mile run your lucky if you get 2 audio cues. When you finish your run you are supposed to sync your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Syncing takes at least 15 minutes if it syncs at all. If you try to monitor your run with your iPhone you can no longer sync your iPhone with your Apple Watch. So no heart rate stats while using your iPhone. No way to visually look at your stats on your Apple Watch. If you look at the reviews since the release of version 10.3 you will see they are almost all negative. Runkeeper responds by saying they are working on the bugs. If they are working on the bugs, which I would say is really a beta version of their app, why not retract it and bring back their previous version which was an app they can be proud about. When they get 10.3 straighten out then re-release it. Why continue to embarrass themselves and ASIC?

Developer Response ,

Hey there, I know it’s been a long time since you wrote this review, but we just wanted to take a moment to check in and let you know that as of July 2022, the app is now on version 13.4. We did briefly disconnect the phone and watch in version 10.3, but did re-couple the watch and phone in a release shortly afterward; we greatly apologize for the inconvenience you encountered! Runkeeper 13.4 should work just like it sounds like you want the watch app to work. We’d love for you to reach out to support@runkeeper.com so we can ensure you have the best experience with the Runkeeper app and we hope that you will take the time to offer an updated review if you feel that your experience with the app has improved!

This has helped me so much

This app creates custom plans for your needs. It created a 6 week plan to run my first 5k, and to my surprise, I am now on week 5. The coaches are fantastic and very motivating. My coach helped me find the strength within myself to keep pushing and keep showing up every time. In 2 weeks, I will have ran my first 5k, and I couldn’t be more excited. If you want to make a change in your life, I recommend this app.
This app also has features that allow controlling your music from the app. You can select a playlist to start automatically every time you start to run. The app also comes with an Apple Watch app that gives you more control as you run. There is a lot of additional features that make this app worth downloading and buying the subscription. Just give it a try.
There is a huge library of other plans and runs you can try at any time.
Lastly, I would strongly advise adding volume controls for the music and the coach separately in the settings. Sometimes my music is far too quiet for me to enjoy, and sometimes it is too loud to hear my coach. This feature would be great!

Great motivator!

This app is wonderful- I’ve only been using it just over a year (still free version) and I must say it’s so fun!
I’m finding myself using it more all the time. I just love knowing what my stats are ie: mileage and speed, on a hike or causal quick walk around the neighborhood. The different voices you can choose from are fun too- and you can always turn that off if you don’t want to hear it. Being able to track total mileage for a day/week/month, compare to previous months, or set a distance goal and push for it has been really cool and motivating. (Word to wise: Take Baby Steps!) When I feel like I’m not doing great it’s nice to see how far I’ve come literally and figuratively in the last year. (Over 200 miles!)
Plus- there’s a lot of settings you can fiddle around with and ways to interact more (or less) like turning off the emails. It’s a well made app, almost haven’t had any issues with it- and after I fiddle some more and see how well it’s helping me get back into the almost-daily-walking/ movement saddle, well- I just may spring for the paid version.