Entries categorized as ‘running’
I just got back from a week in South Western Michigan. My favorite run of the week is the beach to beach run depicted below:

Here is the Gmaps-pedometer [link].
It starts with a 1.5 mile leg along the beach ending at the North pier in South Haven. It then meanders along the marina, over the drawbridge, through town, and out to South Beach. I highly recommend it, although the beach running part is hard on the ankles because of the lake-ward incline.
Note that Google Maps (and hence Gmaps-pedometer now have USGS topographical maps available).
Categories: running
There are several websites that utilize Google Maps to allow users to create custom “route” type maps and measure mileage. This is great for measuring the distance of runs and cycling trips.
I’ve used two sites, both of which are free. The first is called Gmaps Pedometer. It is a nice, light weight, site. It allows you to track mileage, calories burned (assuming some value for (#cal/mile)/pound)), and elevation change.

Another website I’ve used is called Map My Run. It has more features, but as a consequence is much slower than Gmaps Pedometer. The features include accounts, ability to save runs, log training miles and times, publish maps, and add symbols (like a toilet or drinking fountain) to your maps.

Out of curiosity I mapped the same run which skirts the boundary of Notre Dame. The results:
- Gmaps Pedometer: 3.44 mi
- Map My Run: 3.44 mi
Exactly the same. Note though, Gmaps returns mileage at much higher accuracy (5 significant digits) as opposed to 3 with Map My Run. I don’t know if this can be trusted or not. I rounded 3.4352 in the Gmaps Pedometer result to 3.44.
Categories: running