10 best running apps

running apps

Running. To some it’s pure escapist joy, while for others it’s torture. Regardless of which side of the fence you stand on, there’s no denying it’s a fantastic way of keeping fit. With the help of today’s tech though, running can be that bit more enjoyable and manageable for all of us.

We’ve compiled a list of 10 brilliant running apps we’re sure will enhance your run and guide you to achieve your fitness goals!

1. Strava (available on iOS and Android)

Strava is packed with useful features to help make your run more interactive. It will record the distance you’ve covered and in what time, calculating your speed. That’s not all though. It’s a social network in its own right, allowing you to add friends, race against them and complete challenges.

2. MapMyRun (available on iOS and Android)

This app is great for those who want to challenge themselves to run faster or for longer. It records a ton of data whilst you’re running using your phone’s GPS, so you can compare times and distances each time you run. It provides helpful voice coaching to let you know how you’re doing, and is compatible with loads of fitness trackers and wearable tech.

3. Couch to 5K (available on iOS and Android)

This is a perfect choice for beginners. The App provides a special training plan- 30 minutes, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. By the end, you’ll be running a swift 5K without even breaking a sweat! Choose from a number of audio coaches who’ll help get you through and put you on the path to success.

4. Spotify (available on iOS, Android and Windows)

Perhaps not the most obvious choice for a running app, the latest version of Spotify includes a useful running feature. Less concerned with telling you your time and distance, this app is great for those who want to put some fun into their run. Choose from a range of specialised genre playlists and let the app match a song to your changing running speed.

5. Nike+ Running (available on iOS and Android)

This app is especially cool, sleek and simple. It’ll do all the usual in terms of recording your distance and speed, but as a bonus offers a range of coaching courses to suit all. It’ll also let you take photos so you can capture any particularly scenic routes you take.

6. Endomondo (available on iOS, Android and Windows)

Clean, simple and totally clutter-free, this app is definitely one of the easiest to use. It’ll invite you to set yourself a goal and then guide you towards it. It’s compatible with every bit of wearable fitness tech under the sun and will send its data to your Apple Health App if you’re on an iPhone. One super-cool feature is the way in which it allows you to make live audio contact with friends and family through the app. This means your loved ones can cheer you on if you fancy tackling a major running event!

7. RockMyRun (available on iOS and Android)

Much like Spotify, this great app is all about the music! Research has shown that music can seriously influence the way we run. This App’s specially curated playlists, some by world famous DJ’s, are sure to get you in the mood to move. It can work alongside many other running apps too, so works as a great extra if you’re also looking for time and distance tracking.

8. Runtastic (available on iOS, Android and Windows)

This vast app is brilliant for those who want to log all of their fitness activity in one place. It’s been designed to suit loads of activities, from cycling to snowboarding and even kayaking. Its most impressive feature is the way it pulls in weather, temperature and sunrise/sunset data to help you optimise and plan your workouts.

9. Pumatrac (available on iOS and Android)

This great little app makes comparing your workouts seriously simple! It combines all of your recorded data, even taking into account the weather and music you listened to. It then condenses this down into one simple numerical score. It makes knowing how you’re progressing super easy and pretty fun!

10. Zombies, Run! (available on iOS and Android)

If you’re the type of person who needs to imagine being chased by brain-eating undead to get moving quickly, this is your app. The app centres on a storyline which will unfold over the days and weeks when you run. It’s so much fun and so immersive you’ll forget it’s even training you up. Not for the faint hearted, especially in the dark!

Now we’ve let you know about some of the best running apps around, there’s no excuse for not pulling on those trainers and getting out there. Experts are agreed, running is simply one of the most effective ways to get or keep fit and with these awesome apps, it needn’t be a chore.