While my earlier solution for running with your GPS-enabled BlackBerry meets all my needs as far as tracking goes, there is still something to be desired regarding the interface and usability features. Today I gave the application FootNotes a test run to see how it sizes up against my previous method.


FootNotes has a basic but effective interface which displays time elapsed, distance traveled, and average pace. Other than that information, options to pause and stop your run are selectable at the top of the screen. FootNotes of course uses the BlackBerry’s built-in GPS for tracking so it’s very accurate but does take a bit of a toll on your battery if you take a long run.

After a run is saved you can view some quick details: time, distance, pace, and calories, but for me the option to “view map” was broken. What should happen when selecting the option is for your path to load in BlackBerry Maps. I don’t have BlackBerry Maps installed on my device because Google Maps is far superior and I’m running a hybrid OS which doesn’t play nice with it, so I wasn’t able to test how it loads in the app.

Where FootNotes falls short is in the sharing department, while FootNotes’ website says that their application allows sharing of runs to friends I couldn’t find a way to share my path. I pinged them on twitter asking them what I was missing and if it was supposed to be done through BlackBerry Maps.

Here’s their response:

The ability to share is currently in development and should be available for release in 30-60 days. BB Maps is required for VIEW MAP.

Knowing that, I’m going to call this application a work in progress. For now I’ll stick with my setup but if they implement some easy sharing tools and maybe refresh the interface a little, I’ll be happy throw down a little cash for the app. Currently it doesn’t appear that you can buy FootNotes but their is a 60-day trial available. No word on what exactly will happen at the end of that trial but it looks like the developers are hoping to eventually charge for FootNotes.

You can check out FootNotes here.