Need assistance using or understanding some of the features of this app? This handy guide is here to assist you on your journey to privacy-focused fitness.
When you first launch the app, a series of screens will explain the basics of how the application works. Tap the buttons at the bottom of each screen to continue through the flow. Before the welcome flow is complete, you will be presented with iOS System dialogs asking permission for the app to access Location Services and Core Motion.
You must accept these permissions for the app to work correctly. For Location Services, you will need to allow “While In Use” permission. The app currently does not enforce high accuracy, but if you toggle this setting off your data will not be recorded properly.
On the last screen, you will be given the option to enter a name as well as your weight in kilograms or pounds. This data, while not necessary, enhances the user experience by adding personalization and energy burn calculation during your workout.
This is the primary screen that will display after completing the welcome flow, as well as when launching the app on subsequent app opens. Notice the menu button at the top left of the screen; this opens the Sidebar Menu where you can see various options for the app.
You can start a run in two primary ways: Quick Start, by simply tapping the start button at the bottom of the screen; or by adding a marker, denoted by the “+” button on the top right of the screen.
Quick Start: By choosing this option, you simply tap and go. The app sets your current location as the tracking marker spot and immediately starts your activity. In this way, you will be tracking your point of origin, which is ideal for loop runs and activities where you return to where you started.
Set a Tracking Marker First: This option will display a new screen with a map. Drag around the map to select a location, or simply press the “add marker here” button to place a marker in your current location. This is called a tracking marker and the application will use this location as your focal point throughout your run.
You are allowed to place a marker anywhere. You may consider placing a marker at your start location; this will show you the direction where you came from, as well as your as-the-crow-flies distance to your origin at any point during your run (Quick Start option does this automatically). Conversely, placing the marker at your end location will show you the direction you are headed and how far you are from the end point. The marker location will show on your map based on your proximity to it, but it is not actually considered part of your run.
When you begin dragging on this screen, the app will stop recentering the map. To reset the map to your location, press the Reset Location button directly above and to the right of the “add marker here” button.
After selecting a tracking marker, to begin your run you will press the start button as directed by the app — this button is depicted similar to a triangular “play” button and is seated in the center of the main button row.
This view is known as the Simple View. The main element consists of a primary statistic indicator with a label, centered inside a styled ring with hatch marks. The hatch marks represent the direction, or location heading, of your selected tracking marker. In the simple view, only one statistical element will show at any one time. Use this view when you wish to focus on one element, or desire a simpler, less cluttered look.
The bottom row of buttons are, from left to right: View Left, Toggle View, Start / Stop Run, Open Music Menu, View Right.
The View Left and View Right buttons will change the primary statistic displayed on screen. These options include Total Distance, Total Time, Energy Burned, Steps, Current Pace, and Distance Away from your marker.
The Toggle View button will switch the screen from the Simple View to the Detailed View. The Open Music Menu button will open a screen that will allow you to play music from your local music library. The first time you press this button, an iOS system dialog will appear asking you to grant permission to access your music library. If you decline this option the app will otherwise function normally but you will not be able to play music through the app.
This view is known as the Detailed View. In this view, you can see all statistical elements on screen at the same time. The direction ring is located at the top of the screen and is shown much smaller, though its function remains the same. The View Left and View Right buttons are removed from the button row and the remaining buttons are moved to the edge. Use this view when you wish to see all of your data at a glance.
The app will count down, after which point it will begin tracking your activity. The app will use Location Services to determine your location throughout your run, while Core Motion is used to determine your step count and provide other technical activity data. When the run begins, data will begin showing on screen and the tracking rings will be activated. They will rotate and point to the marker you previously set. Notice in the Simple View, when viewing the Distance Away metric, the ring will show a point to more clearly indicate the direction.
As you run data will continue to be represented on screen. This information updates mostly based on location updates provided by your device, as well as the detection of steps made by you during the run. If you stand still or leave the app for a long period of time during your run, recording may stop.
At any time during your run you can press the View Map button at the top right of the Simple or Detailed View screens. This will show your Activity Map View, including a polyline depicting your course so far. On this screen you can press the “Show Tracker View” button to see a representation of your map as directed toward your tracking marker. This can allow you to backtrack from your course or direct you in a straight line in the direction of your marker.
At any point during your run you can open the Music Menu by tapping the appropriate button. The menu will only show you music that has been saved directly to your device as part of your iTunes Music Library, as well as tracks that have been previously authorized for play in your library by Apple Music. You can choose to view Artists, Albums, Songs, or Playlists. On making a selection, you can choose to select as many individual tracks as you wish or play them all. Select tracks individually by tapping on them; unselect them by tapping again. To play, press the play button at the bottom of the resultant screen. You can also shuffle tracks using the appropriate button.
The Shuffle All Songs feature will queue all the tracks on your device in random order and begin playing immediately. Dismiss the Music Menu by pressing the Close button at top right.
The app is equipped with an encouragement feature. At various intervals during your activity, the app will show supportive, witty or whimsical remarks intended to encourage you along as you run. This shows on both the Simple and Detailed views in approximately the same size and position. If you find this distracting, the encouragement feature can be deactivated in the Settings menu.
To finish your run, press the Pause Run button, located in the position where Start Run was previously seen. The app will give you the option of restarting immediately or ending the activity. To resume the run, press Continue. To end the run, press End. When you end the run, the app will take a moment to copy cached activity data and prepare the next screen for display.
When the run is complete you will see a screen that provides salient details about your activity, including distance, pace and other values. From here you can scroll to see all data recorded to the app. Press the Done button in the top right of the screen to continue.
You can access the same data for prior runs by visiting the Run History screen, accessible from the sidebar menu. The Run History displays your five most recent runs.
Access the Settings screen from the Sidebar Menu. From here you can change various settings related to the app, including preferred units (metric or imperial).
From the Settings screen you can also purge activity data, or reset the app altogether. These options are located at the bottom of the screen near the privacy disclosures. These destructive options will delete your stored data, and once they are removed they cannot be retrieved. Because the data is not stored anywhere else, uninstalling the app will also remove all activity data.
Please take a moment to review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. These can be accessed through the Settings screen as well as the primary Help screen.
We invite you to contact us at anytime with feedback, questions, compliments, criticism, or anything else related to RunTracker. You can use the Send Feedback feature or Report a Bug feature in the Help screen. Or you can email us directly by tapping here: runtracker@lucindigital.com