jS RUNNING-WALKING TRACKER AND STEP COUNTER

On most days, we like to get out there and begin our workout with a minimum amount of hassle. We simply want to "Just start" our running or walking.

Being somewhat of a 'minimalist' when it comes to my workouts, I really like the jS Running-Walking Tracker and Step Counter because it's simple to use and easy to monitor while running.

At the start of the run, the simple touch of the "Start" button activates the app's running mode, where most activities are controlled by gestures. You can control your music, glance-free by double-tapping anywhere on the screen to play/pause music, swipe right/left to change tracks, and up and down to control volume.

I like the large, easy-to-read running metrics, which are color coded. You can choose to allow the screen to scroll through the metrics, or lock in on one metric, such as distance, pace or duration of the workout. Of course, you can also swipe through the other metrics if you choose.

There is a special mode for armband use where the angle of display can be adjusted to optimize the readout.

And, no other app offers the safety features like the jS Running-Walking Tracker and Step Counter.

The personal alarm function is designed to draw the attention of a passerby in case of an emergency. the alarm is easily triggered by pulling the headphones out of the device.

 An instant call emergency or a saved contact number is activated by using a simple tab and hold gesture.

SMS run details and location can be sent to a saved contact or to a loved one at the start of each run.

Finally, you can turn your iPhone to a side light when running at dusk or in the dark.

Check out the jS Running-Walking Tracker and Step Counter at the App Store. http://apple.co/2cYbMrU

You'll love this easy to use, safety-loaded app.

LET'S CHECK IT OUT

Ah, the good old days!

Lacing up the Adidas Country's, a "running shoe" that wasn't really lightweight, flexible, or durable, but it looked like a running shoe.

The excitement of a digital watch. No more stopwatches. We had no idea what GPS was.

After a wet or wintry run, I stripped twenty pounds of soggy clothing from my body.

And gels? It was pretty cool when Asics came out with a gel shoe to combat Nike's air sneakers.

Today, however, we have shoes that weigh less than eight ounces. Phones that do everything for us. Energy gels, lightweight fabrics, and watches that practically tell us what we ate for breakfast.

And I say, "Bring 'em on."

Whatever makes our running experience easier and more fun is alright by me.

In my running career, I've logged over 122,000 miles on the roads and trails. That's the equivalent of circling the globe about four times.

So, if you have a product or innovation you'd like me to "test drive," let me know.

Go to the site called "Fiverr." www.fiverr.com, and look for my 'Running Shorts' gig.

It's real simple. I'll test out your running product, review it, then tell my readers here, on Facebook, and on Twitter about your remarkable commodity.

Perhaps you have a race you'd like to promote.

There's a gig for that!

I'll do the same to promote your race.

If you want to let the running world know what you have to offer, I'll be happy to promote it for you.

A QUICK AND EASY PACE APP

There's an app for everything these days, and, even though I'm an old-timer, I love the apps out there for runners.

I recently found a pace calculator app that I really like.

It was designed by a guy who wanted to help his wife, who is an avid runner, because even though there are many pace calculators on the market, he wanted to design a product that was both simple and easy to use.

Pace Calculator by RBIDesign https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pace-calculator-by-rbidesign/id944112227?mt=8, can be found at iTunes, where you can buy and download the app.

This unique app allows you to calculate pace from total time or time from pace very quickly and easily. It also has a "Today Widget" that you can use to calculate pace without leaving the app you're in so you can look up a race result, pull the widget down from the top of the screen, and calculate your average pace without leaving the results page. Some other features include the ability to save results so you remember your best times, selecting pace per mile or per Km, and view splits for various distances.

If you try Pace Calculator by RBIDesign, you'll find out that it is the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive pace calculator in the app store.

We runners like to simplify our workouts and races with innovations that are quick and easy.

That's why I recommend you try Pace Calculator by RBIDesign.