Whether you are trying to get fit, lose weight, or both, there are now many tools to help you. Here we share some useful web-based tools that help you to plan walking, running or cycling routes. They are all free to use, and all have some special benefits and features. If there is one tool that does it all, then tell us and we shall feature this also.
WalkJogRun.net
WalkJogRun.net is now over 7 years old. It was developed in 2005 as a way for people to easily plan and share their running routes. In its most basic format you simply use your mouse to plot your route and the website tracks the distance travelled. Enter the time it took you to complete your workout and the system provides you with an average speed, and enter your weight and the system gives calories burned.
You can use it without an account, but if you create an account (which is free) you can save your routes. You can also log your runs / jogs on existing routes to compete with other people. It is easy to share your route on Facebook and Twitter or embed a route on a website. They have recently launched an iPhone / iPad app too that is available from the AppStore.
DaftLogic’s Google Maps Distance Calculator
If you just want to quickly plan a route that needs to be a specific length, then DaftLogic.com have created a simple distance calculator. It uses the same method as WalkJogRun, just a mouse click, and provides the distance in miles, km, nautical miles, metres and feet.
DaftLogic have also developed an Advanced Google Maps Distance Calculator, which is almost the same as the original but you can now save your routes. However, the main reason to use Daft Logic’s calculator is for the speed. If you wish to save routes then WalkJogRun is a better option.
Free Map Tools
Free Map Tools have two useful tools for runners and cyclists: Elevation Finder and How Far is it Between.
If you wish to do some hill training then Elevation Finder is a simple tool that allows you to quickly determine the elevation of any point. Just click your start point and end point and the difference between the two is your climb. Again, this uses Google maps and is free to use.
How Far is it Between is much like the tools on Daft Logic and WalkJogRun, but it has one clever feature. You can enter two places (town, country) and then it will calculate the distance as the crow flies and the distance by road. You cannot specify an exact location or change the route, so it is only useful for calculating longer route – better for cyclists than runners. But a good way to determine if you should attempt a particular cycle, without first having to get in the car to measure the distance.
This is just a small selection of what is on offer. We have found them all to be reliable so far, and none require any payment from you, and none will send you spam (at least, they never sent us any).