In 490 B.C., the soldier Pheidippides raced 26.2 miles from Marathon, Greece to Athens to announce the Greeks’ victory over the Persians. The messenger delivered the news, and then died on the spot.
We are convinced, however, that with the help of your iPhone and a few great training apps described here you can still enjoy dramatic finish without keeling over.
iPhone app For Finding A Race
If you have decided to run a marathon, start by downloading Can Do 26.2 (99 cents). The app lists and details every marathon in the United States, including routes, difficulty, average participant count, etc. All the races are crossed listed by date and state, making for truly convenient marathon shopping. The app links you directly to the race website, so you can even register via your phone.
iPhone apps for Training
Once you have committed, it is time to set a goal time and train appropriately. There are several helpful pacer apps that will make sure you stay on track and in step. Race Pace ($1.99) allows you to input your personal best for a race distance, and then will calculate your likely race times for other distances. The app will also help you calculate split times, great for track workouts.
For those who are new to running, we like PacePal ($1.99) and iPace (99 cents). Both are metronome-like devices that help to keep your steps on target and can be used simultaneously with either music or audiobooks.
Among the best running related iPhones apps, however, is iTreadmill (99 cents). Strap your iPhone to your arm, and the app actually calculates everything you are doing (including speed, distance traveled, incline, calories burned), just as if you were on a treadmill.
In addition, iMapMyRun (free) is great if you want to avoid getting lost on your long runs.
iPhone apps For Race Day
You might want some tunes to keep you pumped. Download Cardio Workout Music ($1.99) for a list of 78 fast beat songs. And don’t underestimate the importance of fluids. The iHydrate app ($3.99) allows you to calculate how much water you should drink based on your height, weight and environmental conditions (temperature and humidity).
Once you have crossed the finish line, it is time to celebrate. Locate the nearest watering hole with the Bar Findr app (99 cents) and enjoy a cold one.
