Best Online Tools and Websites for Runners

I've pretty much been addicted to the Internet since the first time I found about listservs in college.  I still remember marveling at the way this new simple programming language - HTML - could be used to create linked texts that could have pictures and everything!  And then there was the world wide web - with the infamous www prefix - that's where the real magic was happening.  This was about the time that one meg of memory was about $50, which jumped to $60 each when there was a fire in one of the manufacturing facilities overseas. 

Fast forward 14 years, and here we are today.  My new iPod Touch is practically attached to me, and the amount of things I can do with it is amazing.  Especially for running.  Gone are the days when I have to keep a notebook with scribbled notes of my training runs or caloric intake.  I don't have to hop in the car to drive my routes in an attempt to figure out how far I've gone.  And I don't even have to pick up the phone to check on my friends' training.  Here is a list of my favorite online tools (in no particular order):

1) Dailymile
A brand new social networking site for runners and other endurance athletes, the Dailymile offers really nice blog widgets for training and upcoming races.  You can enter your daily miles which the site will log for you, and send friends motivation and messages.  Attractive graphics and modern interfaces should make this site a hit among runners.

2) Athlinks

The great feature of Athlinks is that you can find your race results going back several years and claim them on your profile.   Once you are registered, the site will automatically update your results.  You can find rivals, check on your friends' performances, and use the social networking features as well.  I just like to see all of my results in one place.

3) Map My Run

When you need to find out how far you ran, Map My Run is the go-to site.  You can register and save your runs for future review.  I find the Hybrid view especially helpful when I run on trails - I can actually accurately map where I've been.  They've also built an iPhone app that allows your iPhone to work as a GPS when you are running.  Now, I'm still far too enamored with my iPod to actually take it out into the elements, but if I had a solid, waterproof case, I wouldn't need to bring anything else.  They've also been working on Facebook and Google Apps to be able to track workouts and so forth.  Their widgets aren't quite as pretty as DailyMile's, but the integration with the mapping is pretty cool.

4) Sparkpeople

When losing weight is one of your goals with your running, a site like Sparkpeople helps to make it all come together.  Sparkpeople is a diet site that builds daily menus and tracks calories for you.  The thing that I appreciated was the fact that I could track my protein and fiber intake very easily and making changes to the suggested menus was super easy.  If I didn't have what that day's menu called for, I could just choose something else and everything updated.  It wasn't until I used their guidelines on a regular basis that I learned how to eat properly.  Simple changes like moving to whole grains and more fruit and veggies have yielded fantastic results.

5) Running blogs

I have found that a daily dose of the thoughts of other runners has been one of my best motivating tools.  Just knowing that others are struggling like I am, or that others have dealt successfully with injuries, or even getting a laugh from a fellow runner can get me out the door and on the road for the day.

6) Runners World

The online site of the popular magazine actually has a lot to offer.  The forums are packed with information, and the Smart Coach feature actually offers really great training plans.  They have a nice lineup of bloggers, and I use their Rave Runs wallpaper on my computer.  I just wish they would continue updating them.  Plus, they have a lot of nice videos for core strength training and stretches for injury prevention.

7) Racecenter.com

This is really only for us Pacific Northwest folk, but the race listings at Racecenter.com seem to be the most complete for the area.  I always try to pick up a copy of their magazine when I'm in a running store, but for the times I don't have one, I use the site.

8) Running Warehouse
When it's time to get some gear, I like to use the Running Warehouse folks.  They have fantastic 2-day free shipping in addition to great prices on their shoes.  Of course, there is no substitute for proper shoe fitting, but once you have shoes picked out and can order them online, this is one retailer I strongly recommend.

9) Google Docs
When you need a basic spreadsheet to build a training program or track miles, Google Docs is a super simple choice.  While there are few bells and whistles, it is great to have access to your documents from any computer or iPhone or Touch.  I use Docs a lot for managing my training, although I'll be switching over to the DailyMile for tracking miles in the new year.  I will keep my mileage record that tracks my cross country journey on Docs though.

10) Google Maps

If you are going to build your own cross-country journey with the miles you've run, Google Maps will not only help you figure out mileage and route, it will highlight photos that were taken along your route and which are featured in Panoramio.  Plus, you can check out the street level view in most towns, which can be downright scary at times!  But if you're going to imagine a journey, you might as well see photos of what it looks like along the way . . .