For the longest time, I used to go for runs without music, without my phone, and without any proof! Sociopathic, I know. It wasn’t until a year or two ago that I discovered the joy of running with music,
Running with music meant I would bring my phone along for my runs with me. After my worthwhile investment in a running band to carry my phone in, I made the discovery of running apps.
Being able to track your run and monitor your progress are important in improving your skill! The results can also be very rewarding, as you get to compare your progress from where you started and where you are now. Running apps especially help to motivate me with in-app challenges and coaching seminars.
Here are my 3 favourite apps that I’d recommend to any runner!
3. Zwift
Operating system: IOS and Android
Design: Very simplistic and gives the appearance of a video game. It displays all the information you could want such as your pace, calories, distance, ranking, and more.
Functions: This is the perfect app if you prefer running on the treadmill. You can play online games during your run with Zwift that will help challenge you and keep you occupied. It simulates running path for you and offers you different courses, and sometimes you’ll be able to run with others online.
The only catch is that the game does require you to have a compatible treadmill. There should be a list of compatible treadmills on Zwift’s website.
2. Strava Running and Cycling
Operating system: IOS and Android
Design: Easy to navigate, upbeat and happy colour scheme. It displays all the information you could want such as your pace, calories, distance, ranking, for both running and cycling!
Functions: Strava is easy to use and gives in-depth stats of your running records, such as speed, distance, time, course, that all combines with leaderboards, achievements, and challenges to race your friends.
It is very popular running tracker that helps to add gamified features to a standard run. This app is also great if you are a cyclist who wants to track their rides, so you can store your exercise history all in one place.
1. Nike Run Club
Operating system: IOS and Android
Design: Very minimalist. Easy to navigate, has a soft and modern aesthetic. It displays all the information you could want such as your pace, calories, distance, ranking, and more.
Functions: Allows you to track your run and includes how fast you were running at every given moment. It will track your time, distance, elevation, calories burned, and heart rate if running with an Apple Watch. You can enter challenges to run with your community, and even compete with your friends on a leaderboard.
Nike Run Club is perfect for apple fans as it is very compatible with its products. It is especially good for those who own and run with their Apple watches, because the app can be controlled by your watch. It is also compatible with Apple Music and Spotify.
There are plenty of other running apps out there that are just as useful as these! The three I have listed cover different needs of different athletes and are a great place to start. Start playing around with different applications and different functions to figure out what works best for you!