This winter I started using Instagram as a way to log my workouts. You have to be a little bit creative in using pictures to showcase your runs. It definitely helps if you have scenic or photo-worthy places to go! It is actually super-easy to do, especially now that most runners always have their cell phone with them.
All you need is your cell phone and a few apps. You could do it without your phone but the beauty of it is taking pictures while running and its simplicity. I have a LG Optimus G which has a 13 MP camera which takes some great shots!!
Since I have an Android phone I’m going to talk about Android apps and give links to the Google Play store. I’m sure all you Apple lovers can find the same apps in iTunes too!
Obviously you need the Instagram app. I just use my phone’s standard camera app, but you could install a different one if you wanted. I use Strava Cycling to record my run. To record the weather for the run, I use the Weather Channel app. Last but not least, I use Photogrid-Collage Maker to the make the collages of pictures. I think most phones now have built in screen capturing (shot) but if yours doesn’t you will need one.
Now that you have all the apps installed you are ready to run!! Here’s what I do:
- Screenshot of the weather (usually before I leave, I might afterwards if it is more dramatic!).
- Start Strava and run.
- Take a few pictures along the way.
- Take a selfie picture either at the end or at a special spot along the way.
- Finish run and take a screenshot of the Strava Results page (includes map, time, distance).
- Make a collage of the best pictures and screenshots in Photogrid, saving the collage.
- Use Instagram to enhance the image, writing a brief statement about the run, making sure to include #runlog and #running hashtags. You can add others too. And if appropriate make sure to include the proper location. Then I post to the social media sites that I want, usually Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
- Log my run in RunningAhead.
What creative ways have you found to log your runs?
