In my post about fitness technology a couple months ago, I cited Nike+ as one of the best high tech ways to get fit. Then I heard about RunKeeper. After surfing the website and talking with founder and CEO, Jason Jacobs, I’m seriously considering an amendment to the previous post – kicking Nike out and replacing it with the Boston-based iPhone app.
When you look at the features side-by-side, RunKeeper simply outruns Nike+. First of all, Nike’s system uses a pedometer, which means if only works if you’re running. RunKeeper harnesses the power of GPS, allowing users to track mileage whether they’re running, biking, hiking, kayaking – hot air ballooning — or what have you. And of course you can still have your favorite tracks pumping from you iPhone.
On top of that, you aren’t stuck using Nike shoes if they’re not your preferred footwear as a runner. Though I love Nike’s concept, I’m an Asics man myself, and RunKeeper doesn’t limit you to any brand or product. Yes, you need to have an iPhone for now, but Jacobs assured me that iPhone is just a jumping point; he plans to implement RunKeeper across many other platforms.
On top of the features list, RunKeeper is so much more than an app.
“The app is just one little piece of a much broader system” said Jacobs when describing FitnessKeeper, the infrastructure behind the app. RunKeeper is actually “just the first input into the broader FitnessKeeper system” which Jacobs hopes to become “the personal fitness data portal.” With FitnessKeeper, users will find a social fitness community where “your friends become your own personal trainers.” To date, RunKeeper is the only running app that comes wrapped with an online fitness community.
Incorporated in June 2008, launched in August, and reaching its millionth download just last month, RunKeeper’s adoption rate has been moving at a dead sprint. The app has been featured on top ten app lists on CNET, CNN, and Time Magazine.
FitnessKeeper/RunKeeper was born out of a passion for running, which is no doubt part of the reason for its success. Jacobs was inspired to build the running app while training for his first marathon. He became very familiar with the tools for run tracking previous to RunKeeper and, as he said, “I was frustrated by my experience as a user.” He described the systems he used as “fragmented” and difficult to integrate with different products his friends were using. So, he started FitnessKeeper, and managed development of RunKeeper – utilizing the technology and connectivity already present in the iPhone.
Another thing that’s made RunKeeper so popular is that, like the Hairclub for Men, their marketers are users themselves. When a user finishes a run (or other exercise), RunKeeper has the option of automatically Tweeting or posting to Facebook the stats of that run – the idea being that runners are motivated and held accountable by the judgment of their friends. (You don’t want your buddies seeing you choked just short of the finish line, do you?) A beneficial side-effect of this is that everyone in that user’s network sees that their friend / follower is using RunKeeper, and might be inclined to check it out for themselves. This leaves RunKeeper’s marketing team with a budget for more fun and creative strategies like having Jacobs run the Boston Marathon in an iPhone costume.
As for the future, Jacobs has every intention of making the successful RunKeeper app available on other smartphones. He also intends to expand the FitnessKeeper online platform, build new apps, and integrate other non-phone technologies like internet scales (mentioned in my first fitness tech post).
Judging from the features, versatility, and passion behind FitnessKeeper, I’d say Nike better watch out. With RunKeeper racking in users, and FitnessKeeper providing them with a solid fitness community, Nike+ might be falling behind in the race for the best personal fitness technology.
