Running is a great cardio activity that gets the blood pumping and the endorphins coursing through the body. Given the popularity of running, whether it be marathons, 5ks, or leisurely strolls around the neighborhood, there has been an abundance of apps for runners to utilize.
With help from Runners World, a trusted source on all things running, and the fitness website Very Well Fit, these apps have been compiled from sources that are entwined in the running community. The running apps' purposes range from being statistics-minded to combining charity with activity.
Runtastic
Geared towards marathon runners, Runtastic helps users meet their goals for their next marathon. The app allows users to create a plan tailored to the user's fitness level and goals, plus users can track and log over 120 activities.
Further, Runtastic enables the saving of running routes and statistics. That way, all the user's running info is in one app, cutting back on needless back and forth. While Runtastic is a marathon runner's friend, there are some awesome music apps to pair with it for those who like to listen to music on their runs.
Charity Miles
For the altruistic, Charity Miles is an app that allows users to make money for charity whenever they walk, run, or bike. On the app, users can create their own pledge page where friends can sponsor.
For the marathon and 10k runners, users can generate an unlimited amount for the charity of their choice. In addition to earning the money for the charity of their choice, users can gain the chance to win cool prizes.
MapMyRun
From UnderArmour, MapMyRun offers many important as well as unique features. Some notable attributes of the app include real-time audio coaching, a gear tracker that alerts users when it's time to get new shoes, and receiving feedback on user statistics.
Whether you like to stick to your beaten path or venture into new routes, the app finds running routes for you. The usual running app features are also included like the ability to see distance, speed, and pace. It could become an essential app for Android users.
My Fitness Pal
With health and fitness the overarching purpose of this app, My Fitness Pal is a great tool for those hoping to improve health through running. On this app, the user can track calories, runs, and food intake.
In addition, the app updates the user's calorie balance according to health goals, exercise amount, and food intake throughout the day. Also, the user can customize goals and track progress while connecting to friends in the app's community.
Running By Daily Burn
For those looking for a virtual running coach, Running by Daily Burn is the perfect app. Giving users the options of personal coaching, customized training plans, and guided runs, this app has a keen focus on motivational coaching.
Also, the app curates the type of running plans to give you based on information the user puts in when first downloading the app, such as running goals and how many workouts per week are that the runner can commit to. It's perfect for Apple Watch users.
Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is the ultimate app for the most dedicated statistics head. The app offers wide-ranging information on the metrics of blood oxygen, stress, sleep, heart rate, hydration, and respiration among others.
Graphs and charts of the user's stats are also included in order to give the runner an easy-to-read representation of their data. On the app is a feature called the Garmin Coach which offers training plans that adapt according to the user's goals and performance.
Weav Run
For those who love to listen to music on their runs, Weav is a fun and inventive app that remixes songs to fit the runner's pace. The app's novel technology allows the songs to be adapted for the runner's cadence and pace without altering the music in a negative way like compression or distortion.
Users can choose to set their desired cadence if they already know the pace they are shooting for or runners can let the app do their work for them.
Strava
Combining a social media app with a running/cycling app, Strava allows users to track running with GPS, join challenges, share media from user activities, and follow friends.
The app offers users performance statistics and enables them to analyze their data but also gives viewers the option to engage in monthly challenges. In addition, the app provides routes for running and the safety feature Beacon, which has three chosen contacts to monitor the user's location while running.
Nike Run Club
Runners of all levels are welcome to use the Nike Run Club app as the app covers beginners to the most fervent runners. Often regarded as one of the best free running apps, Nike Run Club features basic running tools like tracking features of distance, pace, heart rate, and cadence, among others in addition to offering training plans for users.
Also, there are audio-guided runs that help for long distance runs or even getting started. A great feature of the app is the inclusion of guided mindfulness runs that are created by Headspace. For those who are interested in more Nike products, the Nike Apple Watch is an enviable option.
Runkeeper
Including a wide range of tools and features, Runkeeper is an absolute must for any runner. The ease of the app is a major plus for users along with the accuracy of the app aspects. Users, through GPS, can track distance, pace, and time.
In addition, the app provides pre-created routines that can be applied to the beginner or to those who are more experienced. To keep users motivated, Runkeeper offers an area to set goals and watch the progress towards those goals.