It’s hard to imagine a good run without my iPhone and with these apps for runners, you can now use your smartphone to up your game too. Whether you’ve never ran a day in your life or you’re trying to run a 5K, there is an app for that! Check out these 7 apps for runners to find one to fit your needs. Download it and get moving!
1 Couch to 5K
itunes.apple.com
Even if you’ve never ran a day in your life, this is one of the best apps for runners and for you. This is a perfect app if you’re just starting out to run and want to progress to running long distance. I personally like it and have no goal of running a 5K anytime soon. This app is designed to give you encouragement in more ways than one. For starters, you are assigned a personal trainer; you get voice cues throughout your run to help you keep going, pointers on running, and a specific training plan. It also integrates your playlist into the app so you don’t have to go without your favorite tunes. Cost is $1.99
2 ISmoothRun
itunes.apple.com
If you’re a serious runner, this app can be your best friend. With built-in GPS, everything is accommodative to your run, including traffic light information, weather warnings, alternate and alternate routes. You receive voice cues from a trainer, a specific workout, and there is also a pedometer built in. Cost is $4.99
3 MapMyRun +GPS
itunes.apple.com
Perhaps one of the most popular apps for runners is MapMyRun. This one has been around for quite some time, but with constant updates to the app, the features are better than ever. Featuring a built-in GPS, pedometer and heart rate monitor, MapMyRun can help you find inspiration through logging your runs into the MapMyRun website which helps you share your success and running goals with others. Meal plans, food diaries and more are also offered on the MapMyRun website. This is a great way to connect to your social networks and even find people in your area with similar running interests. Cost is $2.99 for the GPS version and the original is free.
4 RunKeeper
itunes.apple.com
So you want a free running app that’s effective too? RunKeeper is for you! RunKeeper allows users to input stats on the website to track their progress, and even get a comprehensive training plan with complimentary strength training, interval workouts and stretches. Users also have the option of inputting their information to get a fitness report. Community access is also available so that users can correspond with other RunKeeper users to trade ideas, hold each other accountable, and help motivate one another. This is a great app for those who want an app with multiple uses, with minimal fuss. Cost is free.
5 Upbeat for Runners
itunes.apple.com
There are days when I can’t imagine working out without my music playlist. Music can be a great motivator and take your mind off actually working out. The Upbeat for Runners app utilizes this in every way possible. First of all, it matches the beat of your heartrate to songs in your playlist, so when you warm up, you won’t be working out to a great running song, and when you’re running, you’re not working out to one of your slower tunes, more designed for your cool-down. This app is fun to use along with helpful. You no longer have to change your playlist to match your workout with this app, and that’s pretty fantastic if you ask me! Cost is $2.99
6 WalkJogRun
itunes.apple.com
This app is designed much like MapMy Run and features GPS capability. It will give you routes designed on traffic in your area, and allow you to select how many miles you like to go, or how many minutes you’d like to run. It integrates everything into the equation so you don’t get stuck in traffic or miss a turn and get lost. It can help you find new ways to sightsee in your area, along with give you challenging changes into your routine. Cost is $4.99
7 Get Running
itunes.apple.com
If you’re new to running, Get Running may be your best friend in the app world. It features specific training regimens for beginners and over the course of 9 weeks, the app trains you to run 30 minutes at a time. You’re given simple goals, audio guides and encouragement along the way to increase your success. Encouragement to run is definitely something I can appreciate when those last few minutes seem the toughest. Cost is $2.99
Do you have a favorite running app? I love finding new ones to enjoy. Share your favorites with me!