Tuesday, July 11, 2017

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?

45 comments:

Unknown said...

I actually have a few defined routes that I use, but if I want to try to come up with a new one or a specific distance I will use Google maps or a mapping website.

Leah said...

I'm a creature of habit and run the same route over and over and over. This would be awesome!

Katie said...

For my local runs I'm pretty familiar with the area and milages, but I use plotaroute.com to plan out long runs. So I think this app might work well for me! I don't travel much (boo)

BarkingMadRun said...

I run with a group 3 days a week, on my loner day intend to run in my neighborhood. what a fun way to find new routes!

k8wags said...
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k8wags said...

I just moved to a new town, so I normally just run out my door and go- but out and back routes get so boring. This would be perfect for marathon training!

Jennifer said...

For the most part yes. Then sometimes I just run!

Unknown said...

I normally run on the Virginia Capital Trail that runs from Richmond, VA to Williamsburg, VA. It's a great trail and you don't have to worry about cars!!!

Unknown said...

I usually just go with it... I do a lot of out and back runs so I just pick a way and run until it's time to turn around!

Unknown said...

Currently I use MapMyRun if I have my phone on me, but I'm excited to try this app!

JennMascari said...

I pretty much always run the same routes. On occasion when I need to get creative, I'll use Map My Run.

Unknown said...

Going to have to check out the app! I'm a creature of habit too and it is definitely hard to come up with running routes over 12 miles here in Elk Grove

KookyRunner said...

I usually run the same areas in my neighborhood, but I would definitely use this app!

Unknown said...

I'm such a creature of habit that I ru t he same route around my neighborhood all the time. I just used google distance calculator to map something out for distance but I already knew the route I wanted to take. This will be perfect for my vacation next month to San Diego! I need to do a couple of training runs and wasn't sure where to go.

Unknown said...

My long runs are mapped out for me, because I do them with Breakaway Running in Memphis when we're training for St. Jude. If I'm running at home, I just wing it or run what I'm familiar with.

Keri Russell said...

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing as I didn't know about it and I'm always trying to create my own routes when I'm running in new places. Can't wait to try it out!

Lindsay said...

This is great. I get so bored of the same routes - especially on longs!

erindegroff said...

My husband usually maps out new routes for me :)

Unknown said...

Let my hubby figure out new routes when we have to get in some more miles :)

Heather Runs 13.1 said...

I usually just run around until I hit my miles, do out and backs, or go where I know what the exact mileage/elevation will be.

Elizabeth E said...

I use Mapmyrun usually!

dd said...

What a great free app. I like to prepare myself for the elevation too! I need to get out my comfort zone with familiar routes and the fear of getting lost, and this would really help!

Unknown said...

i get SO SO SO tired of the same routes i do in boston. typically i do out and backs so i have the exact milage/time. when i travel, i go onto mapmyrun for ideas; i am heading to VT next week and am looking at mapmyrun, but also i know of a half marathon course up there i can run (and i will write the streets on my hand so i dont get lost). - kim k.

San said...

This app sounds pretty neat! I usually map out my running route on my Runtastic App, but I must admit, I run in the same area in different circles all the time... it would be great to try some new paths!

Unknown said...

The same because I have bathroom needs sorry tmi

Rosa said...

I usually run the same routes, but would love to use this app to try new ones

Peanut said...

I run often with a group and we take turns creating new routes. I will usually use map my run.

Amanda said...

I too, am a creature of habit, but I generally do it one of two old school ways. Just walk out the door and hit the pavement and make turns along the way, or I decide to count the mileage while I'm out for a drive! This would be a great addition to my apps particularly for running!

Reca said...

I normally just follow a similar route, although in may change up the order a bit. Plotting out a route would be nice.

John @ run. geek. run(disney) said...

I have some routes I know the distance of and can combine them accordingly. I've used Endomondo in the past to figure out some distances before running but mostly just make it up.

Unknown said...

The app sounds interesting, I usually just use my gps watch and run:)

Chelsea B. said...

I tend to stick to the same routes... Or I will be up with a local running group who has done all the mapping already and set the route. :) This app seems freaking awesome for traveling and exploring new cities!!!

Lucy said...

I use Google map as well as reviews from other runners if I can find it for a particular route I'm interested in. Love hearing about new routes from other runners.

BK said...

I usually keep to the same routes because I can get lost in a paper bag. Sometimes I just go out and have a general idea of what direction I'm heading and hope I make it home...

ahotsouthernmess said...

I like exploring new places and would love new routes!

Unknown said...

I know my area pretty well but usually use google maps beforehand to check specific mileage

Miranda K. said...

I usually stick with the paved trails I know. If I do need to run someplace new, I use the map on my phone and just hope for the best.

Unknown said...

I typically run in the same area and have a pretty good sense of distance. When marathon training and the mileage gets up there, I will plan my route based on public water fountains and bathrooms that I know. I haven't ever used an app like fast zach - I'm intrigued.

Unknown said...

I'm so boring- I totally run similar routes in my small little town. So no need to really nap it out ahead of time. But I'm moving soon and would love a new app to help find new routes!

coup420 said...

I like to do laps around the local lagoon at the park. Its a beautiful trail.

Fallon @SlackerRunner said...

I run the few areas I feel are safe for runners- we have odd roads- but the city changes depending on my mood. :)

Julie said...

I usually don't. we run in our park here and know all the routes..

Sadie said...

I run on a bike trail and there are mile markers along my run.
Sadie B.

amie said...

I stick to major roads around town and check the mileage and route using my Garmin.

amie said...
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