App for Fartlek (interval) runs?

Software
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1

A bit before the pandemic I started running and I have been doing that the entire pandemic (helped to keep me sane). I usually run 5K’s which I record in Strava. Now I’m considering training for a “10K Guinness World Records™ Official Attempt Run” in September (just for fun) via a McMillan training schedule (as part of Strava Premium). Such a schedule includes running “Fartlek” runs.

Does anyone here use an App to guide you through the intervals of such a run? If so, which one?

The App runinterval looks promising, but maybe there are better ones?

(I was hoping Strava would guide me, but it seems they only send a daily email?)

2

This one has been awesome for me:

Intervals Pro

I use it for runs and gym intervals.

1 Like
3

Absolutely second this. Very customizable. Also it works with Apple watch without the phone and tracks gps data……aka can have a workout that you wear Bluetooth earbuds, leave phone at home, and it will cut into the music/podcast to give the next interval (you can tell it what to say) and then continues to play audio.

Also can do fartlek style intervals based on time or distance or combo of both.

4

Looks nice indeed!

Unlike runinterval it does not seem to be able to share a session with Strava?

(And you can’t import them later in Strava?)

I think I’d like to see those sessions in Strava… (I think)

5

I’ve been a big fan of WorkOutDoors that I use on my watch. It lets me create custom workout programs that can be based on time or distance. It’s not the nicest UI but the features are top notch!

6

Indeed: :cry:

Please be aware that only activities recorded with the Apple Watch Workout app recorded within the past 30 days are able to sync to Strava. Activities uploaded to the Health from a third party will not sync to Strava.

Source: Strava

8

There are “only” 8 Fartlek runs in the training (I think), so I rather use a free or cheap App than buy a Garmin watch.

Also, I’m pretty happy with my Apple Watch for regular runs and MTB rides.

9

If you use the Intervals app, you should then be able to use Healthfit to export the runs to Strava if it exports to Apple Health.

This was a key app when I had my Apple Watch before I went all in with Garmin.

2 Likes
10

I’m currently working toward a half-marathon with RunKeeper, which has similar training plans. For the interval runs there, you get audio cues for when you should switch between your intense intervals and recovery intervals. Depending on the workout, these are time based or distance based. I’m not sure, but I think you can configure your own as well. I’ve only ever done them with the workouts generated by the training plan, though.

12

After to many lost or “damaged” workouts from using the Apple Watch in the rain (without me putting on the water mode) due to the touch screen and the daily charging, I went back to Garmin. I don’t have the a power meter, as I’m not that serious, but do have cadence and speed sensor, as well as a Garmin Tempe that sends data to my watch, which gets missed when I had the Apple Watch.

Would RunGap and the intervalpro app combo not work to get he results to Strava?

13

Today I did my first Fartlek run.

  • I used the suggested Intervals Pro (thanks!) to guide me (and track fitness data & route).
  • I used the (free) HK2Fit to export the data to a .fit file, which I imported in Strava (upload function on their website).

I decided to use this suggested App because it can tell me whether I’m running too hard or too slow. That happened every segment… (running in the correct pace is still a challenge)

Lesson learned: it’s hard to hear the instructions; I should use my AirPods next time!

15

The cost puts me off at this point - I agree, as I’ve got the cadence sensor for that reason really, , though the Tempe is to offset the readings of the watch which is higher than normal due to body heat.