Running apps have brought about a significant transformation in the world of running, offering an array of features, from on-the-go expert coaching to route planning, recovery aids, and comprehensive tracking tools. What particularly stands out is the social dimension many of these apps bring, transforming an inherently solitary activity into a vibrant community-driven endeavour. With a plethora of running apps available, we’ve streamlined the selection, presenting you with a curated list of the ones we deem worthy of downloading.
Strava Best For Community
The OG of fitness tracker apps, Strava has been an innovator in its field since its launch back in 2009. Its greatness lies in its ability to foster a vibrant community while offering a plethora of features tailored to runners’ needs. Strava’s GPS tracking feature enables runners to meticulously record their routes, pace, and elevation, allowing for precise analysis of performance. Empowering users to set and achieve personal goals, the app encourages you to share accomplishments and in return you’ll receive ‘Kudos’ (a virtual pat on the back) from your friends, turning every run into a communal experience. Strava’s collection of segments and leaderboards transforms mundane runs into exciting competitions, turning a rather solitary sport into a community-fuelled venture.
Runna Best For Coaching
Runna, the running coach app, is a game-changer for runners of all levels. What sets it apart is its accessibility to expert coaches who provide personalised training plans for 5k, 10k, half-marathons, marathons and ultra-marathons. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or a seasoned runner aiming for new heights, Runna tailors its guidance to your specific goals and fitness level. It’s a versatile tool that allows everyone to reach their full potential, essentially it’s a coach in your pocket! Within the app, you’ll find warm-up and cool-down tutorials, injury management from physios, nutrition guidance, strength workouts to compliment your training as well as lots more invaluable top tips to advance your running. For anyone looking for a tailored running programme with guidance on how to plan out your training including tempo runs to long runs, this is the professional coaching app that will help you build up to race day. Runna is additionally compatible with all major fitness trackers to sync your runs!
WHOOP Best For Monitoring Recovery
Regular running takes its toll on your body, and that is where WHOOP, the fitness wearable and app, is a valuable tool for runners. By monitoring your heart rate and HRV, WHOOP can help you understand the impact of running on your body. It can suggest whether you should push harder, take a rest day, or adjust your training intensity to maximise runs and reduce the risk of overtraining. Within the app, you’ll find your Strain Score, indicating the physical stress your body experiences, helping to gauge the intensity of your runs and ensuring you’re not overexerting yourself. WHOOP also calculates a Recovery Score, which helps you determine whether you’re adequately recovered for your next run!
Nike Run Club Best All-Rounder
Nike Run Club: Running Coach is a top-notch running app that caters to both beginners and seasoned athletes. With its user-friendly interface and a wealth of features, it offers personalized coaching, real-time feedback, and adaptive training plans tailored to your fitness level and goals. The app’s audio-guided runs, motivational challenges, and integration with social networks make it a dynamic tool for enhancing your running experience. Whether you’re aiming for a 5K or a marathon, Nike Run Club ensures you have the guidance and motivation you need to reach your milestones and make every run count.
AllTrails Best For Discovering New Routes
AllTrails, the versatile running app, is a must-have for adventurers seeking new running routes in various areas. With comprehensive details on distance, terrain, elevation, and difficulty, it’s a treasure trove for those eager to explore lesser-known areas or experience routes discovered by others. This app is your trusty companion, especially when venturing off the beaten track or running in unfamiliar places. Its GPS system provides real-time directions as you run, ensuring you stay on the right path. AllTrails is not just a tool for personal exploration but also a platform for sharing your newfound gems, making it an invaluable resource for runners of all types.
Relive Best For Reflecting On Your Run
Relive allows you to trace your run to create a professional-looking animation, much like the London Marathon coverage on BBC. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this app transforms your outdoor activities into captivating 3D video stories, adding a whole new dimension to your adventures. Simply track your activity, snap some photos, and let Relive work its magic. The result? A stunning video that showcases your route in a 3D landscape, complete with highlights like maximum speed that you can share on your social platforms.
Footpath Best For Planning Your Route & Distance
Footpath is a handy tool for runners looking to plan their route precisely. This app lets you effortlessly map out custom routes with just a swipe of your finger. It’s like having a cartographer in your pocket as Footpath intelligently aligns with roads and trails, ensuring accurate measurements and elevation data. Knowing the exact distance and elevation profile of your route is crucial when following specific training plans, which is where Footpath serves its purpose. This app is also useful when running in an unknown territory. Plus, if you’ve got a Garmin, you can export routes to GPS devices to display on your watch face for easy navigation.
Run Keeper Best For Logging PB’s
Powered by Asics, Runkeeper has a plethora of features aimed at motivating and guiding users. From audio-guided workouts that cater to beginners and experts alike to goal-setting and progress tracking, this app covers all the bases. What sets Runkeeper apart is its ability to create a sense of community through challenges and virtual running groups, helping you go that extra mile and hit new PB’s. Runkeeper effortlessly integrates with various devices including Garmin, Fitbit and Apple Watch. With the option to upgrade to Runkeeper GO for even more tailored support and insights, this app will help reach your running goals and achieve peak performance.
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