I think all runners (and I imagine bike-riders as well) eventually start getting really obsessed curious about tracking their mileage.  One solution that seems pretty popular is to get a Garmin – a great option if you have some extra cash around.  But what about those of us that only have extra money around tax time?  Well many of us have so-called “SmartPhones” which often include built-in GPS.  This can be a fantastic feature while trying to drive from point A to point B, but has it occurred to you that there are other uses for a gps-imbued phone as well?

If not, let me  introduce to you………CARDIOTRAINER!!!!

I have used this program since I re-started my running, and I cannot say enough good things about it.  My Cardiotrainer is configured to tell me mileage/pace every half a mile (distance/time at the .5, and pace on the even mile) via voice notification (this timing is completely configurable for personal preference.)  This has helped me to pickup my speed when running to slowly for the day’s pace, or to let me know I need to slow my butt down when I have unknowingly tried to imitate Geoffry Mutai. 

There are also settings that allow you to integrate your music with the program. This allows CardioTrainer to automatically start your music when your work out begins, automatically lower the volume for notifications (so you can hear them) and end the music when your work out ends. You set what play list it is going to use within the settings, so it is always what YOU want to listen too!

Cardiotrainer can also sync with the Polar Wearlink+ Heart Rate monitor (only one specific model.)  I will admit, getting them to sync can be problematic (I have to reboot my phone before trying,)  but once it syncs it does its job very well.  It adds your heart rate to the notifications – as well as letting you know if you should speed up or slow down to get it in the optimal calorie-burn range.

As amazing as all of this may seem – I’M NOT DONE YET!!!!!  Some of the best benefits of Cardiotrainer occur AFTER the run.   As you can see in the image above (that is a screen shot from my Droid X), it shows you a map of where you have run – and includes your mile splits.  It also will show you a graph of your run showing your mph along the way in miles and time.  Under the Statistics button – it will show you Distance, Average Speed (as well as max and min) , Calories burned, Steps, Time , and total yards climbed.  With the Bluetooth enabled, it shows you your heart rate in a graph as well.

If you are a social media addict – you can also have it share your run on Facebook (with or without a map) and twitter.

Map that was posted to Facebook.

To sum it up, I cannot say enough good things about it.  Cardiotrainer works really well (unless your GPS dies on your phone.. like mine has..) to track your runs, bike rides, hikes and even other sorts of exercise that can be manually entered.  It has add-ons that can be purchased individually – or as a whole with the purchase of “pro”  which include a weight-loss add in, racing your previous times/tracks and more.  If you have an android phone and an arm-band to carry your phone with – I definitely suggest giving it a shot.  And the best part? Its free!

I was not paid to do this review, and did not have the software donated for the review. I purchased it and have shared the review due to how much I liked it!

edited on 12/28/2012 –
Click here – for a comparison to Runtastic Pro on Android

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About Robinson

I run, because I am a runner. Having realized that I have always "been a runner" - even when I went years with out running, I am learning how it has integrated itself in all aspects of my life. When I started running in highschool, my perspective on life changed. Funny that I didn't realize how much it had affected it until just recently.