Runners Interval Timer Review

Interval training is a type of training that involves periods of high intensity followed by periods of low intensity. For example, a runner may want to sprint for two minutes, followed by a one-minute cool down period, followed by another two-minute sprint. For runners who take their iPhones with them while they train, Runner's Interval Timer helps them keep track of their timed training intervals.

The interface of the app is pretty straightforward. Users are given the option to set up two different intervals. Each interval can be given a time duration, title, notification sound and color. Once each interval is set up, a simple touch of the “Start Timer” button sets the intervals in motion. Users can listen to music through the iPhone music app while Runner’s Interval Timer is running and the notification sound to switch intervals will pause the music momentarily to announce the change.

There are a few features in this app that I really liked. First off, I like the variety of notification sounds available. Notifications can be anywhere from a simple chime to a male or female voice saying “Run”, “Walk”, “Jog” or “Sprint”. I also really liked how simple it is to set everything up. It only took me a few seconds before my run to get my intervals ready. The interface is really basic with only a few options that make it very user-friendly.

I do have one complaint. The app only allows me to set two different intervals. I really wish it gave me the option to add more than two intervals. At periods during my run I like to walk, jog and sprint. This is a personal preference and I’m sure many runners out there are fine with only two intervals. However, I have seen this capability in other interval apps and I think this app would be greatly enhanced if it were able to add this feature.

Runner’s Interval Timer does everything that it advertises to do. I found it be useful for interval training and it is well integrated into the iPhone OS. Although it is very basic, it gets the job done while having enough features to merit the price.