run

The more I run, the more I realize my regular playlist isn't cutting it. Even with some 150 hand-picked songs, I get bored hearing the same ones over and over. And although they're among my favorite power-pop tunes, they're quite diverse when it comes to tempo. I need songs of at least 128 beats per minute (bpm) to keep me running strong.

Enter Fit Radio, a free app (Android|iOS|Web) that streams up-tempo playlists designed to amp up your workout. It's like Songza for sprinters, or maybe Pandora for bike peddlers.

The app is divided … Read more

Zynga has added another "With Friends" game to its portfolio, and this time it involves running away from a stampede of bulls.

Running With Friends, a game set in Pamplona, Spain, at the annual running of the bulls, went live today for iOS. Capitalizing on the popularity of running games like Temple Run, Running With Friends -- true to Zynga form -- adds a social layer. In addition to competing with friends, players can explore a virtual Pamplona.

"We are committed to expanding Zynga's mobile portfolio to bring players the most fun, social, and accessible games … Read more

When the Pebble watch unveiled its first Kickstarter videos, it seemed like a magic device. Some features, like health-tracking apps, played a major role in that perception. They haven't been available, however, until today, when RunKeeper finally updated its iOS and Android apps to support the little wearable device. It's a small moment for RunKeeper, but a big moment for Pebble.

I reviewed the Pebble smartwatch about a month ago. I was a little hard on it. Why? Because, for all the hype the Pebble watch had received, the actual device couldn't really do all that much. … Read more

Music is a must for most runners. It energizes, helps to pace, and provides a focus while running or jogging. The iPhone has made it possible for runners to easily take their music with them anywhere while tracking distance and performance via GPS. It's an incredibly powerful running tool for these reasons alone, and Audiofuel Running Music only further enhances it by providing numerous free tools to measure and enhance your exercise routines.

Audiofuel allows you to choose between three possible routines: walking, jogging, or running. Select one and you can then download tracks that are specially designed to … Read more

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Passing time playing games with your smartphone or tablet requires applications that are quick to learn and fun. Temple Run's excellent graphics and easy-yet-satisfying gameplay make it a good option for casual gamers.

Temple Run comes as a free application, but payment is required for additional power-ups. Installation through the Google Play store completed quickly, and there were no log-ins required to play the game. The startup menu's graphics are well designed, as are those for the game, itself. The selection to start a new game was easy to find and well labeled. In terms of play, the … Read more

Out of steam? Can't bring yourself to finish that last mile? Maybe a zombie horde breathing down your neck will give you the adrenaline boost you need.

That's the idea behind Zombies, Run! 2 (Android | iOS), which bills itself as an "immersive running game and audio adventure" for your smartphone.

It works like this: Before you start your run, you load the app, choose a mission, put in your earbuds, and then hit the road. Along the way, you're treated to audio segments that gradually reveal the story of Abel Township and the zombie apocalypse … Read more

No diversion can divert me from the fact that treadmills are boring. Even if the weather is bad, I'm not much of a TV viewer -- on or off the treadmill. And I often find the most energizing music to also be the most annoying. Reading on a treadmill can be downright nauseating.

But thanks to an experimental system out of Purdue University, I soon may be able to catch up on my backlog of New Yorker digital issues while clocking time on the dreaded tread.… Read more

Gameplay In iRunner, you play a stuffed doll who speeds through various worlds to collect items and power-ups while getting progressively faster. Controls are simple: players tap the "jump" or "slide" buttons in response to oncoming obstacles such as pitfalls, spikes, and hanging light bulbs. Collecting four costume gift boxes triggers a short animation sequence that transforms your character into a superhero while adding a bonus multiplier to your score. As you reach each checkpoint, your character starts running faster as well.

The top panel displays your score, a battery icon, and the number of presents … Read more