REVIEW: FASTZach App (& GIVEAWAY)

I was contacted by the awesome Amanda over at FASTZach a few weeks ago to see if I would be interested in trying out her app. I hadn't heard of it before (but then again I'm not very tech savvy) so hit the Googles to find out more.

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As you have probably noticed, I am a creature of habit. I tend to run the same routes and know what "works" for me. (Don't worry... for safety purposes I don't always run the same routes on the same days... I do try and mix it up occasionally ;)) With that said, I was stoked to try out this app to help nudge me outside of my little bubble.

Yes, thank you for noticing, my tank DOES say "Adventure is Waiting"

I grabbed FASTZach from the app store on my iPhone (you can download it for free from the iTunes store HERE) and was ready to start exploring. [FYI - The Android app should be released in August so keep your eyes peeled!]

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Since I'm the type of person who reads the instructions, I did a little research about how best to use the app. Watching the User Demo YouTube video was super helpful prior to heading out to pound the pavement.

Now that I had the basics, I was ready to get in some miles. I had an 18 mile run on tap and my normal long run route was going to be closed (the Carlsbad Triathlon was closing the road and bike lanes along the 101 where I enjoy doing some of my long runs), so I thought this would be the perfect time to give the app the old college try.

90% humidity and 18 miles are ALWAYS a great combination, right?! 

The app is an awesome idea (whether you're the type of person who likes to switch up your running routes or possibly travels a lot and are looking for a great way to explore a new city). Since I do love my standard beach runs, I don't know that I'd use it a ton locally, but if I'm out and about and want to get in some miles this would absolutely come in handy.

I definitely appreciate that it uses turn by turn voice navigation (in case I haven't mentioned it, I'm very geographically illiterate, so having specific directions is not only beneficial, it is a requirement if I am not 150% familiar with an area). The only drawback is the drain on your phone battery (and data) - something to keep in mind if your phone dies quickly.

The screenshot of my saved "La Jolla Loop" 

I found the editing feature to be easy (which I used to fine tune my 18-mile route). There's a slight glitch in the system (the overall mileage is accurate, but the mile markers on the map are off) - but the techs are working to fix it ASAP.

A couple things I'd love to see in future updates would be an elevation chart associated with the route (because, let's be real, elevation matters... and I'd like to mentally prepare myself beforehand) and an option to look at the turn by turn directions prior to starting or saving a route (similar to how you can look at an overview of directions in a map type app).

PS This is not a running exclusive app. You can use it while biking, hiking, walking, or just exploring the area. What began as a running app is really a lifestyle product. Whether it's a quiet, scenic parkway or a jaunt through a bustling downtown street, FASTZach helps you explore your city - and the cities you don't yet know.

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Seeing as this app is already free (what a steal, right?!), Amanda can't really offer it any cheaper but she was super sweet and decided to put together a GIVEAWAY! There will be TWO winners, each receiving a prize pack including a pair of goodr sunnies, some Beautycounter sunscreen, a FASTZach blender bottle, and Momentum footnotes.

Entering is easy, all you need to do is use the Rafflecopter below and then wait (some of the entry options are available daily, so I'd highly recommend entering early and often to have the best shot at securing some of these for yourself)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through Monday, July 17th at 11:59pm PST. The winners will be contacted via the email address associated with their Rafflecopter account and have 24 hours to claim their prizes. All entries are verified, so be sure to complete them or a new, random winner will be selected (I don't want you to miss out on a technicality).

How do you normally map out your running routes?