Keeping tabs on how far you run can be an extremely valuable tool for a variety of reasons. Doing so will allow you to calculate how many calories you burn, plan future runs, and see how you are improving. Many methods are available to track running mileage with. You will be able to determine the best way for you by reading this article.
Track Running Mileage With A Device
This is the ultimate way for you to keep track of running milage . Devices allow you to keep collect data on things beyond just your mileage. These include pace and elevation. These devices vary greatly in quality and price, and as with most things you generally will get what you pay for. More expensive units will be extremely reliable, have greater battery life, and more convenient options for how you wear the device.
These units will keep track running mileage either through satellite connection or internal components like accelerometers. Be sure to read as many reviews as you can on products before buying as this industry is very new and some products do not perform well.
Utilize A Phone App
Almost everybody already has a smartphone so this is an extremely convenient option for most people. Lots of free applications exist in the Android in Google marketplaces. The better ones tend to have a free option that limits the number of features, oftentimes leaving at exactly what you want.
These apps will generally use satellite positioning to keep track of what you did on your run, and will show you basic stuff that you want to know like average speed and distance. Many of these applications will allow you to see your exact path superimposed over a map.
Map It Out
Do a quick search, and you can find websites made for mapping your path and collecting your running data. Many of the aforementioned phone applications also have a website with the same functionality as the app. This is great if you do not have a GPS enabled phone.
Run On A Track
This option may not provide much novelty like doing different runs can, but definitely has its benefits. There’s literally zero prep necessary. Just show up and run. Just keep track of how many laps you’ve run and you’ll easily be able to do the math to determine your total mileage. Standard track setups take four laps to run 1 mile.
Drive The Run
This is one of the more labor-intensive ways of track running mileage, but it allows you keep track of a variety of different runs. Just set your car’s mileage counter to 0 where you would start your run, and take note of the mileage where you plan to stop.
Run a Mapped Trail
Many cities have hiking or biking trails available in various locations. These will generally have signage at the beginning telling you exactly how many miles the path is. Along the way there are also usually signs that tell you how far you’ve come, so you can use these as markers if you do not feel like running the entire trail.