Help with iPhone and running

I just used an armband from walmart that held the iphone and had a velcro strap.  I had a clear cover so you could see and access the screen and I just used the white apple ear buds.

As far as apps go, there is MapMyRun, some love it some hate it.  It is ok, but was kinda buggy when I used it.  You can go to App store and I think most of the apps are under the fitness heading.

I quit running with my phone, I just found it too big and bulky, I just use an iPod Shuffle now for workouts, and a Garmin 305 for workout tracking.

I do the same. While the iPhone does a lot of things well, it just doesn't work well for "serious" runners. The 305 is a much better GPS for runners, and the Shuffle is a lot easier to use on the run. The touch screen doesn't cut it for changing songs, neither does squeezing the little button on the headphones.

And I worry, worry, worry about a $500 replacement cost device like the iPhone in the rain or even getting it sweaty. The warranty is buh-bye if it gets wet iinside, and they of course have the little dot inside that turns pink if it does - no fooling Apple.

If you do use it, I've found the armband the way to go. There are many varieties, see if you can try one on first.

Not sure about the strap but there are various running/cycling apps that will measure your distance via GPS.  The problem is the GPS on the Iphone is not all that great.  It will give you a rough idea but it can be off by over 10% easily. 

IMO the bet route to go is just to use a shuffle (last gens are cheap) and use some other method to determine your pace distance.  The Iphone technically will work but it works very poorly.  Imapmyrun is the app i used to use. 

I can't comment on the I-Phone, but spent $50 on the last gen shuffle at the beginning of the summer and it changed my life!  I love that little thing! 

I use my iPhone too. I now just put it in a baggy in my pocket when I run, then I turn my shorts a little to the side to minimize the bouncing and it sems to work. As I write this, it seems pretty simple and stupid, but the armband didn't work out that well and I had to improvise. I have run 15 milers this way and it works. I don't use it much on the bike, but when I do the same method applies. As I read this, I should just get a shuffle but I like having my phone just in case.

I've tried a few of the apps and none work 100% of the time. I use my Garmin and it works fine. My .02.

Edited by craig0812 2009-09-02 10:25 AM

I fell in love with the idea of the iphone mapping your ride and integrating Heart rate monitoring(iRPM). From comments on here, the monitoring hasn't worked out so well. Plus, the big issue is lack of battery life. If you simultaneously map your ride and listen to itunes, you might get two hours out of it. Still love the iphone though! I do use it in a baggie in my bento box.

I use this armband:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QGW30C/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

It works...nothing particularly good or bad about it so far.

I've tried Trails and Running Gypsy for apps.  I like running gypsy better for my purposes.  I just want something simple; Trails didn't always work for me and I don't need the functionality to export my route.  Running Gypsy is bare bones:  current pace, average pace, time, distance, and you can get your mile splits when you're done. 

I run with my iphone all the time and I love it.  I bought the Belkin armband.  It had terrible reviews, but has been working well for me.  I also use the Nike+ app that is preloaded on the phone.  It doesn't map my runs, but does track distance, pace, etc. 

My favorite feature is the bluetooth headphones.  I have the Motorola S-9HD head phones, so there are no more wires to deal with.  Very comfortable too.