Easy Ways to Track Your Run with Google Maps

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Measure your distance and easily keep track of your workout
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Google Maps can allow you to record distances between two or more places, and with it, you can easily create routes for your running exercises. Use Google Maps to track your run on a browser, on your Android, or on your iPhone. If you want to track more stats, like the frequency of your runs, you're better off using a health tracker or fitness app instead. Read on to learn more about using Google Maps to track your run.

Tracking Your Running Route on Google Maps

Sign into Google Maps, click the search bar, and select "My Maps" from the list. Click the "Create" button and enter a title and description for the map of your running route. Type the name of your location in the search bar and drop the teardrop-shaped marker tool on points along your route where you'll pass by.

Section 1 of 5:

Using Google Maps to Track Your Run

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  1. 1
    Visit Google Maps. Open a new web tab on your computer, type “google.com/maps,” and hit Enter on your keyboard. The Google Maps home page will open up, where you will see a full map of your area on your screen.
    • Sign in to your Google account if you aren't already logged in.
    • You can also do this on your phone or tablet using the Google Maps app.
  2. 2
    Search the furthest point of your path. If you're going to the corner store and back, for example, search for that corner store for walking directions and information.
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  3. 3
    Click Directions . It's a blue button below the place on Google Maps.
  4. 4
    Choose a starting location and click the walking icon. This will give you a one-way look at your run, including how many miles it is and how long the run will take.
  5. 5
    Add destinations if you want to. If there's a park or a landmark that you'd like to pass by, you can click Add destination under the Start and End points to add more locations.
    • You can reverse the trip by clicking the arrow icons next to the Start and End points.
    • Drag and drop circles from the designated route to another road if you want to change the route.
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Section 2 of 5:

Creating a Map with Google Maps (Computer only)

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  1. 1
    Go to My Maps in Google Maps. In a web browser on your computer, go to My Maps and sign in if needed.
    • You can create maps if you want to create a specific, custom route. Since this is more time-consuming than just going outside and running and then checking your run in Google Maps, it's more valuable if you have a specific path that you like to run or walk.
  2. 2
    Click Create A New Map . It's in the top left corner with an icon of Google Drive.
  3. 3
    Click Add directions . It's under the search bar at the top of the map with an icon of an arrow and a curving path.
    • Clicking this will add a new layer on your map, click ⋮ to rename the layer to something you'll recognize, like "Daily Run." [1]
  4. 4
    Change the method of transportation to Walking . By default, you'll see Driving below the layer name. Click that, and then click "Walking."
  5. 5
    Enter points for your run. You need two to create a route, but you can add more by clicking Add Destination .
    • You can either add destinations by entering the address or by clicking locations on the map.
    • You can also change the route by dragging and dropping the highlighted path to another road.
  6. 6
    Open Google Maps to view your custom map. If you go to Google Maps on your computer or open Google Maps on your Android or iPhone, you can find your custom map by clicking Saved (Computer)/You (Mobile) > Maps . [2]
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Section 3 of 5:

Viewing a Timeline of Your Run

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  1. 1
    Make sure Location History is on before your run. If it's off, you won't be able to see your Timeline, including the path of your run.
    • To turn this on, open Google Maps on your Android or iPhone, tap your profile icon, and tap Settings > (Google) Location Settings > On .
  2. 2
    Go to your Timeline. Tap your profile picture again and select "Your Timeline."
    • You'll see a "Going back in time" message as a panel slides up from the bottom of your screen and shows you the most updated history for your location.
  3. 3
    Select the date for your run to review it. Tap "Today," and a calendar will pop up. Tap a date to see your location history for then.
    • You can look at your route and see measurements, like how far you've traveled and at what times.
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Section 4 of 5:

Calculating Distance with Google Maps

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  1. 1
    Open the Google Maps mobile app on your Android or iPhone. This is useful if you want to create a running or walking path beforehand and want to make sure you're going a specific distance . You can't save this outline, however, and will either need to add it in My Maps or create a route in Google Maps .
    • Sign in if you aren't signed in already.
  2. 2
    Long-tap a starting location. This will drop a pin at that spot.
  3. 3
    Swipe up to open the dropped pin's details and tap Measure distance . Now you'll create a dotted line wherever you navigate on the map.
  4. 4
    Drag the map around to create your path. Tap + to add another point, which is helpful if your route changes direction.
    • You'll see an updated distance in the bottom right corner of your screen.
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Section 5 of 5:

Tracking Alternatives

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  1. Google Maps might not be the best option to track your runs. While Google Maps is very useful for day-to-day transportation and avoiding traffic, other apps are designed more towards tracking your fitness and providing more motivation and challenges. Here are some alternatives if you're looking for something a little more fitness-focused:
    • Strava. It's a super detailed app that gives you information like your pace, distance, elevation, and any breaks or splits in your runs. You can also share your runs with friends and social media.
      • You can start your journey with Strava for free! You can also subscribe to unlock more features.
    • Nike Run Club. Many features are free, including guided runs, audio coaching, and motivational clips.
      • If you have a Nike+ wearable, Nike Run Club is often integrated.
    • Garmin. Get a Garmin smartwatch to track your run and activities.
    • MapMyRun works with MyFitnessPal and Under Armour to track and plan your routes.
    • Runkeeper. Sign up for an account to keep track of your runs. This isn't free.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3502610?hl=en&ref_topic=3024924&sjid=1152128835093639555-NC&co=GENIE.Platform=Desktop&oco=1
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3045850?sjid=7162361335595326634-NC

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