With the invention of the smart phone, running has become more entertaining and data mining friendly. I’ll be the first to admit that when I run, I go a little nuts on the apps that are gathering data and providing content for my run. I have four applications running. These applications are Runkeeper, Nike+ Running, Zombies, Run! and Charity Miles.

Runkeeper has most of my runs in it’s database and provides a lot of data that the other applications do not provide. RK also hooks up to my heart rate monitor, which is nice. This application is usually the app that has the focus.

Nike+ Running has some of my running data, I get “cheers” from Facebook and has stats on my friends to see how I am doing compared to them, distance-wise.

Zombies, Run! provides the content while I run. ZR  unravels  a thrilling story that is mixed in with the music on my phone while I train for the different obstacle course races. ZR makes the training way more entertaining and sometimes pushes me to go further so I can get more of the story.

Charity Miles is just a no brainier. Donate to charity while you walk, bike or run? Why wouldn’t you use this app?

In later posts I will review each of the applications.