App Review Time - SmartCoach

I'm still on the search for the ultimate running coach app. An app that allows you to set a goal and then guides you to achieve it. Most recently, I used the android version of the SmartCoach running app (free version) on a Samsung Galaxy II to schedule my training for my upcoming half marathon. Here are my thoughts on this simple to use app.

The UI interface is pretty basic. It automatically takes you to the screen where you can input your general information: preferred measurements (miles vs. kilometers, etc.), your last race time, previous race distance, and a few other questions. Once you've finished you will then see your schedule.

You're able to view both weekly or daily displays. The information display includes the mileage for the day and the type of run that it should be.

The app includes a glossary for the terms used through out the app. So, if you don't know what a tempo run is you can easily take a look at it in the glossary and ensure you're following the program.

The SmartCoach app was pretty simple to use. It was straight forward and your plan was complete within a couple of minutes. The app did lack quite a few basic features. Granted these features may be available on the paid version but for this review I compared it to other apps I have reviewed such as the adidas micoach. The SmartCoach app didn't have a way to log in your workout. It also didn't have a way to measure your performance. In other words there was no accountability and zero guilt for missing a work out.

Overall this is app gets an OK rating. It does enough to give you the information needed to know how to get to the goal but it lacks in the motivation department. This may be a case where simplicity is just too simple.

I will continue to be on the look out for the perfect running app and will test a few others. Are there any must-try apps out there?