My Favorite Online Tools for Runners

The internet is an amazing place, and as a runner there are great tools online to help with training.

Fortunately my passion for running also helps me professionally when recommending tools to my clients. I know what has worked well and what doesn't work well.

Here are the top tools online you can use as a runner:

Tinman Calculator

I am a big fan of Dr. Thomas "Tinman" Schwartz and his work. This calculator online is free to use, and unlike other calculators, needs no opt-in to unlock it.

You simply input in your goal race time, and the calculator will give you target training paces and predicted race time finishes.

If I wanted to finish a half-marathon at 1:30:00, I'd place that in the calculator inputs. From there the calculator gives me a table of expected paces for my training. So for my tempo runs, I'd be expected to run a pace range of 7:14 - 7:03 min/mile.

Using the calculator to estimate race finish

With a recent race time, you can calculate what future race time finishes would be.

For example if you finished a 5k at 22 minutes, the calculator gives you an estimate of what your half-marathon time is based on that result - an estimated 1:41:43 finish. Now this is just an estimate of what your finish would be, so you still have to train up to that distance.

Using a time trial to measure fitness

You can also input a recent time trial to see where you current fitness level is.

For example, you can input a recent 2 mile time-trial to see what your expected race performance would be.

So for a 2 mile time-trial at 12 minutes, I would expect to have a 19min 5k finish.

Cronometer

Cronometer is a free website to measure all of your nutrient inputs. No more guessing needed on your macros.

I've been practicing a carnivore diet aka animal-based diet since the start of the year, and this website has been helpful to see that I'm getting enough protein for my fitness goals. The website has been helpful to see that I'm getting all my vitamins and minerals too.

You simply type in the food that you ate, and there is a large database to accurately show you all the nutrients you've eaten.

There is even an easy-to-use app for your phone.

This site is helpful in the case you're intermittent fasting or trying a new diet approach, helping you make sure you're getting all the needed nutrients for your body.

Solereview.com

I am a big running shoe nerd. I love seeing all the latest technology and design developments.

Like most shoe review sites, solereview.com will cover all the basics: upper, midsole, and fit. They do these review elements very well. Their visualizations of how a shoe fits and feel are great.

But what I believe makes this website unique is their recommendation for shoe rotation. They'll recommend a shoe rotation for the same brand and a suggest a shoe rotation from different brands.

I'm a big believer in having a shoe rotation. Just like the different clubs in a golf bag, you need the right shoe for the right situation.

They also do a really good job presenting and comparing comparable shoe models to help you compare and contrast choices.

RunRepeat.com

I had to add this website too, and honestly it's a tie between solereview.com and runrepeat.com.

RunRepeat takes their review and testing procedures to another level. What do I mean exactly?

They will do a literal teardown to see everything that makes up the shoe.

Runrepeat.com will analyze everything from heel cup durability with a Dremel to upper breathability using smoke and a light. If you're into the fine details, this site is for you.

One of my favorite pages is their guide on running foams. With so many options out there, this guide is great to make sense of all the midsole foam technology out there.

Use this site to know every detail about a shoe without even having to put it on.

Thank you for reading. See you all next week, and happy running out there!