A running app should help you run, that's the most important thing. We've already written about the best running shoes - and they should do the same. The running app successfully replaces a personal trainer. It creates a training plan, motivates you to exercise, improves results and tracks performance.
A running app - if it's a good one - records your metrics offline and has an auto-pause feature. It allows you to set goals, track plan implementation, and select the type and complexity of your workout.
It's not easy to find a running app. To help you, we have compiled a TOP 6 list. Explore it and learn about all the possibilities that sports software gives runners.
Runkeeper
This application is distinguished by the presence of its own social network, the audience of which is scattered around the world and numbers more than 30 million people. And these are not just people - they are all potential like-minded people. And running together is inspiring, isn’t it? Moreover, upon completion of your run, you can take a photo indicating the distance covered and, thanks to integration with Facebook and Twitter, share your achievements.
The application is downloaded for free, but for those interested there is a paid section, which includes a set of master classes from professional trainers. Runkeeper has all the standard functions: measuring speed, running duration and number of kilometers traveled. Service in English.
Run wherever your eyes look
Yes, and such an option exists. All you have to do is put on your sneakers and you’re ready to go on an adventure. It’s not a fact that the route will be convenient and suitable for your tasks, but it will help you see the city from an unusual side. If you want more certainty, you should turn to the Internet for help and find out where the nearest parks, embankment, stadium or forest are. These proven locations are in almost every city and definitely won’t let you down.
Running while traveling takes some preparation, but it's definitely worth the effort! And we will always help you choose equipment that is suitable for training on any trip!
Strava
One of the most popular sports apps in the world. This application has one feature that others do not have - a “security cloud”. It consists of the following: as a rule, we leave the house for a run after launching the program. At the end of the workout, the jogging route remains in the account memory, and other users can easily view the starting point, which is not always safe. By using the “security cloud” function, you will hide your area of residence, and no one will know where you live.
Strava is great for Instagram lovers as it uses a bunch of accounts with it, which is very convenient. In the application, you can set yourself a goal, for example, to run a half marathon or marathon, or set the number of kilometers until the end of the year. You can also add the model of your sneakers and thereby track their “mileage”.
The app allows you to connect to your heart rate monitor and display statistics at the end of your run.
Strava: Big review of the running and cycling app
Google Fit is a simple and completely free solution
Google Fit is a relatively simple application. But this does not make him bad, but rather the opposite.
The program is developed and supported by a well-known corporation - the same one that owns Android and the largest search engine. There are no ads and it is completely free - any functions are available without paying.
It's easy to use. After Google Fit is installed and launched, you will need to click on the red round button “+” located in the lower right corner of the screen and tap on the “Start training” item. A screen will be displayed on which there will be a map at the top, below it - the type of activity, and even lower - the inscription “Start”.
The app's default setting is Walking. To change this, the user can tap on the corresponding inscription, and then select “Running” from the list. Now all you have to do is click on “Start”, and the program will begin recording activity. When the time comes to end your workout, you just need to press the “stop” button.
After this you can see:
- Duration of training;
- Distance traveled;
- Average pace (determined in kilometers per hour);
- Number of calories burned;
- Number of steps taken.
Google Fit also has a “Chronology” section, where you can analyze all your physical activity since installing the program.
Google Fit has one feature: it can count activity even when the application is not running. At the same time, if you start running, the program will detect this and then record data about the corresponding activity in the log. This works 90% of the time.
Charity Miles
Perhaps the kindest and most useful running app. It doesn't just display general information about your workout, it does much more. Every kilometer covered is converted into 25 cents for donations. The goal and fund are selected independently in the menu, there are about 30 of them. Already 11 million users are registered in this application. Why don't you start running with meaning?
marathon and half marathon training plans and start training today!
More Strava App Features Running & Cycling
Don't miss the opportunity and watch video tutorials: training and motivational mini-films about popular cycling races and marathons. Here you will learn how popular athletes train, how to work on endurance and overcome obstacles on the path to a healthy body, and much more.
There are no restrictions on viewing, and the database of films is constantly replenished and updated.
Zombies, Run!
The most atmospheric application that immerses you in an exciting story while jogging. And an ordinary run turns into a survival mission. Thanks to the realistic sound design, you get the feeling that the monsters are about to step on your heels, and to prevent this from happening, you need to listen carefully to the clues. Here a difficulty arises for those who do not know English: the application is not Russified. But for many, this is a chance to improve their English while jogging.
At the end of the run, all standard statistics are displayed.
Google Earth
One of the easiest options when looking for places to run is to go to Google Earth. There you can try to determine the places that suit your requirements, as they say, “by eye.” Thanks to this additional feature, you can view street panoramas in different cities around the world.
Google Earth also has a significant disadvantage. Street browsing can be quite exciting, and you will spend a long time looking at them, but you may never find the right option. You should also note that to use the program you need a fast Internet connection.
Nike+ Run Club
This application is a social network for running enthusiasts and a training system. As in the social networks we are used to, there is a news feed where you can track the posts of other participants. Tag and add friends who also run. The Challenges function allows you to set goals and objectives, challenge one of your friends, inviting them to compete for medals. This is a great motivation to train harder and achieve new results! The app will notify you every time one of your friends goes for a run or challenges you.
The Nike+ Run Club app allows you to create a training program based on your fitness level.
A closer look at the Nike+ Run Club running app
Top 10 Mobile apps for training: running, walking, cycling
Elena, 11/14/2013 from 4 Comments
Whether you're trying to lose weight or just want to stay healthy and fit, your smartphone can be a useful tool - but only if you have the right app. From hundreds of options, we've selected some of the best mobile apps for running, walking, and cycling.
Runtastic Pro - detailed training report
Runtastic Pro is one of the best apps for tracking detailed distance-based workout data for running, jogging, cycling, skating and cross-country skiing. If you look at the route map during a workout, you can see statistics such as your running time, distance traveled, and direction. The map even uses colors to indicate changes in training, such as inclines and changes in pace. The app's compass can help you navigate, or you can choose ready-made routes from Runtastic.com and sync them to your phone. Once you've decided on a route, the app will then give you a detailed report of your workout, which you can save, and also provide you with graphs that visually show you your workouts.
For effective training, we recommend the Nexx universal Bluetooth chest heart rate monitor
RunKeeper - Your success in numbers
While the RunKeeper app is used to track running, walking, biking, hiking and more, its real benefit lies in strength training. As one of the most popular fitness apps on the App Store, RunTastic tracks your workout stats and lets you view your progress over time. In the Training tab, you can choose a training plan that suits your goals, as well as use a voice coach. This feature is especially useful for long-distance runners. The Training tab will track your progress against your goals and provide you with data in the form of graphs.
For fitness, running and cycling - a new product from Mio - the Slice bracelet with an individual system for assessing the effectiveness of training!
Reebok Fitness - minimum settings, maximum results
For those looking for a fitness app that doesn't require a lot of setup, Reebok Fitness is the one for you. Once you open the app, it will prompt you to select the categories you're interested in, such as running, walking, yoga, strength training, or dance. Based on this information, the application will create an individual training program. Through Reebok Fitness, you can create a schedule, and the app will remind you of upcoming workouts and track your progress. The app also gives you access to videos and how-to tips from fitness experts.
A unique heart rate monitor for crossfit and strength training - Atlas. An indispensable assistant in the gym!
Nike + Running - effective intense workouts
If you want to train intensely, then the Nike + Running mobile app will help you with this. With the Nike+ Running app, you can immediately begin intense, high-impact fitness workouts. Like other mobile fitness apps, Nike+Running uses your iPhone's GPS as well as its accelerometer to record your distance, pace, and workout time. The app provides audio feedback: a voice in the app tells you the pace and time of your race for each kilometer you complete. This gives you the opportunity to focus on your goal - a feature especially useful for those who are used to training on a competitive basis. A distinctive feature of this application is that it facilitates virtual communication with your friends in the fitness community. The application allows you to tag friends with whom you train or compete virtually, as well as share route maps. One of the most useful features of the Nike+ Running app is the Challenges feature. With this feature, users can create tasks, set goals and determine distances. You can challenge your friends and invite them to compete for medals. Strong competition will force you to train harder and achieve better results in fitness and sports.
Running and cycling headphones that don't cover your ears: Aftershokz Trekz Titanium. Increases the safety of the athlete during training!
TempoRun - training to the beat of music
Do you like to train to the beat of music? The TempoRun mobile application will help you with this! TempoRun categorizes your favorite music according to your workout tempo so you can maintain a steady fitness rhythm while exercising and running. You can program your favorite songs into your own playlists, and also, using the mobile app, you can use TempoRadio, which runs on SoundCloud. Here you can discover new songs and music tracks that will help you train to the beat of the music and ensure a good mood while jogging. This app is great for those who want to maintain a steady running pace over long distances, as well as for those who want to reduce their running time. In addition, the TempoRun app will track your statistics, record the distance traveled, training time and calories burned.
Do you run or cycle? Perhaps you need a shoulder case for your smartphone!
Strava - two apps for all intents and purposes
Strava is a beautifully designed, aesthetically pleasing app. It is noteworthy that Strava consists of two separate applications - "Running" and "Cycling". But in each version, you can set what you want: cycling, running, walking or any other activity. This application suits all purposes and intentions.
In an Android app, the first screen you'll encounter upon launch is the social network. However, if you have no intention of tracking other users and just want to use Strava as a personal app, you can skip this part and move on to specific tracking features.
However, the iPhone version of the app is a completely different matter compared to Android. A joy to use and a great design! For example, the second you launch the iPhone app, you'll be taken directly to the main Posts screen, and you can easily navigate from one post to another with a standard gesture on multi-touch devices.
Both Android and iOS versions of Strava allow you to easily create activities from scratch, which is great!
The premium version of the Strava app is quite affordable, and gives you the added benefit of making it easy to compare different segments in real time, and track friends while training.
New from Polar - optical heart rate monitor on the shoulder - model OH1!
Endomondo - user-friendly interface, informative and understandable
The Endomondo app has achieved recognition due to its super clean and neat design.
The interface is very concise, but informative. You can view history, which includes an overview of key statistics as well as individual results. You can also open any music on your device—and from Spotify—directly from the app.
The basic version of Endomondo is free, but a small fee allows you to remove ads and get many additional features, including incentive offers.
Watch + chest strap - reliable ISport W117.
Runno - game application
Runno is a free game app that aims to make your runs fun. In the game you have to conquer as much territory as possible, create your own virtual kingdom, and defend it from attacks. You gain control of an area by running around it. The larger the area you "conquer" (that is, the more you run), the larger your kingdom becomes. Additionally, the app tracks the calories you burn while running and rewards you with soldiers that you can use to defend your territory. The more calories you lose, the more soldiers you gain. Thus, Runno makes you run more and more without even noticing it.
Monitor your post-workout weight with the MGB Smart Scale.
Charity Miles - Earn money while you run or walk
The Charity Miles app is a free app that allows you to add miles to your workouts to help you stay fit. Once you open the app, select Charity and, through donations from Charity Miles corporate partners, earn money for every mile you travel. Specifically, you'll earn 10 cents per mile for biking and 25 cents per mile for walking or running. This means that if you run, say, 4 miles every day, you could earn $365 for charity on an annual basis.
Getting yourself to exercise and eat healthy can be a difficult task, but hopefully these apps will help you do it.
The Lumo Lift electronic posture corrector will help you keep your back straight!
MapMyFitness
Use your phone's built-in GPS to track every aspect of your workout, including duration, distance, pace, speed, altitude, calories burned, and route. Save and download workout data to MapMyFitness for a comprehensive workout history. The app doesn't just measure and save the number of kilometers you've walked: it tracks the specific route of your individual run.
Even more gadgets for sports are in the catalog!
Tags Android, apps, Charity Miles, Endomondo, iOS, MapMyFitness, MapMyRun, Nike + Running, Reebok Fitness, RunKeeper, Runno, Runtastic Pro, Strava, TempoRun, mobile application, top 10
Runtastic
This is not just a running mobile app, but a huge health and fitness community. All Runtastic applications can be found on the official website. Now let's talk about the running app Runtastic.
There are unique features like scripted running. There are several stories to choose from with built-in special effects and professional voice acting - choose one of them and go! This is also a great opportunity to improve your English.
Of course, like other apps, it has all the basic functions for tracking activity and progress. Moreover, the program has ready-made routes: indicate your region and type of activity, and you will see several distance options. Choose one and follow the navigator's prompts. Very comfortably!
For those who want to study according to plan, there is a corresponding section here. You can choose any goal you like and receive a training plan with a schedule and detailed instructions. For example, training for a marathon. And if you're a beginner, there's a plan to start running 50 minutes nonstop in 6-10 weeks. Install, communicate, use, perhaps Runtastic will become one of your favorite running applications.
Runtastic running app: review, pros, cons
How to choose the right program?
Here is a small reminder that will help you download exactly the software you need:
- What phone number do you have? The choice of program also depends on the type of operating system;
- Assess your level of fitness. In other words, honestly answer the question of whether you are new to the sport or, rather, an experienced runner with three marathons under your belt. The fact is that some running apps are specifically designed for beginner athletes, while others, on the contrary, offer intense training for advanced athletes;
- Are you ready to pay money for a paid application?
- Take a good look at the options of the programs that interest you most. Think about whether it’s worth buying paid options, will you use advanced features?
- If you prefer to run in areas where there is no Internet, look for an app that doesn't require a constant connection;
- Also, if in addition to running you do other sports, a comprehensive application that displays different workouts (swimming, cycling, boxing, aerobics, etc.) will be more suitable for you.
Endomondo
The app tracks mileage, workout duration, calories burned, average speed and other parameters. The results of your training can be posted on social networks. In the application itself, you will have access to a feed where you can share your achievements with other users.
Endomondo is fully compatible with ANT speed, respiration and heart rate sensors. Otherwise, this is a pretty standard running app and is ideal for those who don't like too much extra stuff.
Endomondo: Pros and Cons of Under Armor's Running App
Precautions for Runners
When planning to jog in unfamiliar places, do not take precautions lightly. You are in another city or even another country, so you need to protect yourself in case of surprises.
Download a city map to your smartphone using the Wi-Fi of the hotel where you are staying. Warn the reception staff or friends about your intention to go for a run. You should take your hotel business card with you or take a photo of it with your smartphone. If you get lost in a populated area, a business card will come in handy to show the address to a taxi driver or local residents.
Make sure you have a small amount of cash with you. If there is a pocket hidden from view, it is better to put it there. It’s also worth stocking up on a scanned copy of your passport or its foreign version, or again, take a photo of everything on your phone. Bring water and a snack with you - a couple of bars, for example. Now nothing should stop you. Have a perfect run!
Map My Run
A platform for runners and professional athletes. When registering, you need to indicate your parameters and select the type of activity you prefer. The application has a built-in workout log, which you can fill out regularly to calculate your daily calorie intake.
Those who want to follow the program and prepare for a marathon or half-marathon must purchase the premium version. This application is more suitable for those who like to keep a diary, carefully enter all the data into it and track their progress.
Read on topic:
- Is it possible to run every day?
- Preparation plans for a half marathon, marathon, 10 km race
- Review of Staminity - a service for online training and working with a running and triathlon coach
- Running outside or on a treadmill: which is better?
- How to Run Your First 5K: Training Recommendations and Preparation Plan
Irina Korneva
Additional motivation
Although the application does not have an activity planner, it does have a “Tasks” option that covers running and cycling. For example, the Run Climbing Challenge challenges all runners to gain 2,000 meters of altitude within a month. There are also missions targeting athletes to run a half marathon or a 100km long ride this month.
All participants who complete the challenge receive a virtual winner badge. During the competition, you can track your position globally - among all users who joined the challenge - and also with a sample: among subscriptions, by country, by club, by weight, age.
To maintain the level of motivation of its users, the service invites them to compete with each other in segments for the “Site Record” (RU) or for the title “King of the Hill” (CG). The sections are created by the users themselves, and then, every time they drive or run along it, the best result of each participant is saved in the rating table. The user retains the entire archive of his own results in a particular segment, which allows him to see his progress over the entire period of using the application.
Comparative statistics of athletes in running (left) and cycling (right)
Since Strava was conceived by the developers as a social tool, in the web version, when viewing the page of an athlete, if he does not hide his data with privacy settings, a comparison of his indicators with the results of the selected participant will be available. Together with segments, this function socializes our activities and, to some extent, turns them into virtual competitions, but users need to know when to stop.
However, it is possible to file a complaint against participants whose records are clearly implausible. This is done on the page of the workout that aroused suspicion. The most common ban is setting a record in a segment using transport.
How to download and how to use?
Everything is simple here - any, even the best running programs for Android or iPhone can be downloaded for free from the Play Market or App Store. Downloading and installation proceed according to the standard scheme:
- Search utility;
- “Install” key;
- Next, open the application and register. You can log in through your social networks;
- Further actions depend on the options of the specific program. All utilities from our TOP have an intuitive menu, so you are unlikely to have any difficulties.
How to track your progress
All data about your workouts is collected in the “About Me” section. Here the application calculates how many kilometers you have run, what training you have done, and also awards medals for achievements: longest run, best speed in a short distance/half marathon/marathon, highest climb, and so on.
Detailed analytics of each workout is available in the paid version of the application. Here the diagram shows distance training and pace dynamics.
How to avoid running mistakes: tips from Bodymaster
Before setting up a workout for yourself in the RunKeeper app or subscribing to a particular challenge, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of the most common mistakes that beginners in running make.
Accelerating too quickly at the start of the race
A sharp start and maximum acceleration will cause you to expend maximum effort in the first few minutes instead of distributing your strength throughout the entire workout. Start at a leisurely pace and gradually pick up speed.
Completing all workouts by default
A fairly common mistake is completing workouts that differ in intensity and goals, with the same effort. As a result, there are no results from both short and long runs. The solution here is simple: set the optimal pace for each workout, do not push yourself too hard when you feel tired.
Avoiding speed training
Speed training helps the growth of muscle fibers, increasing their flexibility and strength. However, many runners neglect speed runs and only do mileage training. We recommend including several series of speed runs in a straight line, uphill, and short quick accelerations in your running program.
Incorrect recovery
Rest and recovery are an essential element of any workout. Even at a distance of 1-2 kilometers, muscles and ligaments experience increased stress, literally stretching and tearing. If you don't take a break between runs, you can bring your body to the point of exhaustion, plus you will constantly have to deal with pain. If you're just starting out running, give yourself 2-4 days to recover.
Overload
Excessive training will not lead to anything good. By running 20 km instead of the 5 or 10 that are available to the body, an athlete risks injuring himself, and the recovery time will be much longer. Having set a goal for yourself, choose a speed and distance so as not to fall off your feet from fatigue after each race.
How the run tracking app RunKeeper works
The operating principle of the RunKeeper application is based on the functionality traditional for such fitness trackers - the program uses a GPS sensor to track your route, calculate your speed and kilometers traveled.
However, the application has one useful function that is rarely found in such programs. In the settings you can set the mileage of sports shoes. Here you need to indicate the make and model and enter the maximum number of kilometers. At a certain point, a smart application will warn that the time of complete wear will soon come, and the running sneakers will need to be replaced.
It is important!
Any sneakers have their own specific lifespan. As a rule, the mileage of sports shoes is determined by the manufacturer itself, but often this parameter is underestimated by half the standard distance of 500 km - after all, you have to buy a new pair of your favorite brand in the new season.
But how can you determine how long your sneakers can last? The most obvious indicator is the degree of wear of the polymer sole. If it is elastic and hard, everything is in order, the sneakers are still viable, if it is soft and loose, change it, otherwise there is a risk of injuring yourself due to insufficient cushioning.
It is believed that a not very heavy person who weighs about 70 kg can run at least 750 km in just sneakers. If you weigh more than 90 kg, the load on your shoes increases, therefore, the maximum distance you can run is reduced to approximately 500 km.
After you have installed the application, enter your physical data: height, weight and age. This will help the app more accurately calculate your performance during the race.
Then you give the app permission to determine your location. After this, the GPS sensor will turn on automatically.
On the tab in the side menu, add a goal so that its completion motivates you to work on yourself:
- Longest workout
- Lose weight
- Run a race
- Cover the total distance
- Frequency per week
Bodymaster recommends!
Goal setting is the basis of motivation, both in sports and in life in general. By setting a goal and setting a deadline for its completion, a person psychologically prepares himself for its implementation: he does not give up training after the first most tiring days, gradually increases the load, and enjoys every step taken.
You can read about where to look for motivation and maintain a positive attitude throughout the path to your goal in our article 12 steps to achieving forgotten goals.
