Practicum 7 - Kim

A couple of weeks ago, I learned that I could “tracked my run” using Foursquare and RunKeeper. RunKeeper is a mobile application that allows users to track their exercise activity – it uses GPS technology to track your running and jogging distance. Recently, RunKeeper and Foursquare have begun an exciting partnership – Foursquare users can link their RunKeeper and Foursquare accounts in order to earn badges for achieving certain fitness milestones. This partnership reflects Foursquare’s desire to extend beyond mere location check-ins – now, users can earn Foursquare badges not for checking in but for completing healthy activities.

When users connect their Foursquare accounts with RunKeeper, they can earn badges in many ways. For example, users can earn the “Marathon Badge” when they run a marathon – the first badge you can unlock by doing something, not just going somewhere! Although not every badge requires running a marathon, users can only earn badges by doing healthy activities. Once a user earns a badge, the unlocked badges will appear on both the Foursquare profile and in the RunKeeper fitness feed.

In general, I think this joint venture seems really interesting – RunKeeper and Foursquare are using social networks to encourage real-life behavioral changes. Nevertheless, I experienced many problems when I attempted to “track my run” and unlock badges. The RunKeeper application drains the battery on smart phones and unlocked badges rarely appear on both accounts – if a badge appears on the RunKeeper fitness feed, it may not be on the Foursquare profile.

However, I think it is extremely interesting that Foursquare is adopting a variety of new features. I do believe that simply “checking-in” at a venue can get boring. Therefore, Foursquare’s partnership with RunKeeper seems like a smart idea to keep users engaged and interested in Foursquare!