Mapmyrun.com is part of a group of online mapping tools with other branches such as mapmyhike, mapmyride, and mapmytri. I have been using it for a few days now and I am surprised that more people are not aware of it. I for one had not come across this site until it was recommended to me by Iain from the North Devon Triathletes, someone who seems to find time to be online as much as me, as well as doing crazy amounts of training (cheers Iain!).
And having explored the site I can now see how it would be perfect for mapping routes incorporating more than one activity such as for Tri's, as you can mark specific points on the route to change to cycling or something else. This ability to add markers to the route is my favourite aspect of using mapmyrun, despite my previous raving about being able to see the elevation/terrain. The topographical maps are brilliant, but being able to add your own markers wherever you like is a great feature and allows you to really personalise your runs, or to quickly look at points other people have noted on their routes. There is a decent range of markers to choose from, including essentials like toilets and parking places, and some thoughtful additions like dog warnings and good areas for stretching/warm up. If there isn't a suitable marker you can annotate the route with pop-out comment boxes.
Apart from the marking facility, there are several other really great features. The map area you see on screen is bigger than other tools I've used, and the mileage you're clocking up is displayed in the top right corner as you go along. You can also jump to any other location in the world by typing it in, a big improvement on the zoom out-zoom in again method on other sites. Another fab idea is a printable cue sheet which will automatically tell you on the ground directions for your planned route. (e.g. along the road to swanson st, turn right, straight for 200m etc)
Like other tools you can choose from a selection of views (satellite, street map, hybrid) as well as the extra ones showing topography etc, and you can upload routes from your Garmin device/pedometer. But the unique features of this site have raised it head and shoulders above the other tools I've tried so far, and I'm upset to be moving on to test a different one next week.
Marks out of 5: a big shiny 5!
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1 comment:
Nice loop.
You like your hills I see.
Going back a post, don't worry about slugs just think of it as another cabbage saved. You'll squash more of them when you run off road it's just that you don't get the full on squelch experience. Besides, the more you squash the less there are for my dog to bring into the house (grrr).
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