How to choose the running app that's right for you

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

In recent years, many applications have appeared that help to collect and analyze running statistics, as well as share achievements with friends on social networks. Each of them has its own advantages. This article will help you choose the most convenient option.

In the Nike + Running, MapMyRun, RunKeeper, Runtustic and Strava apps available for iOS and Android, you can:

• share running data with other users of the application;
• post information about the just completed run in social networks;
• record data about the current run even without registration and additional gadgets.

But each of them has its own characteristics that may be useful for you.

Nike + Running - Simple and Free

This is the most popular running app. It looks good, records the time and distance, does not pester with advertisements and offers to switch to the paid version. Nike + Running provides a number of features completely free of charge that are only available in the Pro version in other apps (auto pause, training plans).

• Start: choose the target distance, time or pace, or simply press "Start".
• Music and alerts: plays from your phone memory or Spotify, including tracks suited to your running pace. As soon as you stop, it will auto-pause. There is a PowerSong button for added motivation. The voice reports distance, time and average pace every kilometer. During a race for a certain distance, the voice memo will work halfway and one kilometer before the end. If you connect your Facebook account, then with every like your post you will hear an encouraging message.
• After running: you can note the mood, type of track coverage, sneakers, and add a photo. The areas on the map are color-coded depending on the speed.
• Social features: mileage leadership board. You can create a competition with friends, for example, who will manage to run 100 km before the end of the month.
• Training plans: available for different target distances and skill levels. The app makes recommendations based on the already recorded runs and the date of the planned race.
• Disadvantages: a limited number of gadgets that Nike + Running can work with. These are Netpulse, Garmin, TomTom and Wahoo. There are no route suggestions and detailed analysis of statistics. One goal here is to wind more kilometers.

MapMyRun - for researchers

Originally, MapMyRun allowed users to track their runs through a database of routes. A smartphone was not required for this: it was possible to return from a run and select the desired route from memory. Today we can download an application that can record a run in real time. But the route database is still available on.

• Start: choose one of the routes - your own or someone else's, including those available on the site.
• Music and alerts: on iOS it can be played from the library, while on Android you have to launch the player separately. The voice informs about the distance, speed, pace, but only in the paid version.
• After running: you can see the change in speed on the map, as well as the ascents and descents, if they were on the route. Heart rate tracking is available by subscription.
• Social features: you can share data with other MapMyRun users after you add them as a friend. They will be able to see you on the map while you run. There is also a leaderboard that shows who ran the route faster or more times. Prize contests are available for all MapMyRun users, not just your friends.
• Training plans: are compiled for a fee. You can prepare for a race, choose a goal by the number of kilometers or workouts within a certain time frame. The app will inform you that it's time to run.
• Other advantages: you can record data about nutrition and other types of training (walking, cycling, exercising in the simulator). Works with many gadgets and other apps like Nike + Running.
• Disadvantages: fee for additional features and no ads - $ 5.99 per month, $ 29.99 per year.

RunKeeper - additional features

A huge number of additional features, some of which are paid. Including the selection of a training plan based on the analysis of the collected statistics.

• Start: on iOS, the run starts the same as in Nike + Running (choose target distance, time or pace). On Android, you have to create a workout yourself. In any case, you can just start a run or select one of the ones created earlier in the application or on the website.
• Music and alerts: you can listen to almost any music. The voice can voice statistics every kilometer or according to user settings.
• After running: you can view the average pace, as well as talk about the run on Facebook and Twitter, adding a few words and a photo.
• Social features: you can report your results to everyone you ran with. The Leadership Chart is based on the number of workouts. There are tasks for which you can get badges, and global competitions. For example, in Global 5K last year, the Netherlands showed the best average pace.
• Training plans: there are plans for subscription with weekly updates according to your activity.
• Disadvantages: limited number of gadgets; many features are available only for a fee - $ 9.99 per month or $ 39.99 per year.

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Runtustic - the most original features

Similar to RunKeeper, but with even more advanced options in the paid version. True, they can hardly be called vital. For example, there is.

• Start: if you paid for a subscription, choose the music and route for your run. In parallel, you can receive heart rate data: Runtastic can work with many gadgets, including its own production.
• Music: played from the phone's memory or a player, for example, the same Spotify. There is a convenient screen for monitoring playback during a run and a PowerSong button, just like in Nike + Running.
• After running: you can record the mood and coverage of the track, as well as add a photo.
• Social features: the leadership board is available to all users. The paid version allows you to receive voice encouragement from friends while jogging and record your own for them.
• Training plans: by subscription only.
• Disadvantages: most of the features are available only by subscription - $ 9.99 per month or $ 49.99 per year.

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Strava - if you love to compete

This application is primarily aimed at competing with other users or with your past results. More common among cyclists, but also suitable for runners. Ideal for those who love both sports.

• Start: the hardest part is finding the start button. Then you can choose a route or just click the activity recording button.
• Music and alerts: the music will have to be turned on in another player. Alerts are scarce too - every mile or half a mile (i.e. 1, 6, or 0.8 kilometers).
• After running: you can add a photo and type of activity, and also share to Facebook.
• Social features and training plans: that's Strava's strength. Depending on the parameters of your runs - long or short runs, hill running - you will be included in the corresponding section of the leaderboard. You will receive badges for new achievements.
• Disadvantages: detailed analysis of statistics - change in pace, heart rate and altitude on the hills - is available only by subscription ($ 5.99 per month or $ 59.99 per year).

Strava Running & Cycling - GPS Strava Inc.

Strava Running & Cycling - GPS Strava, Inc.