Are you just starting to run? Or are you training for your first game? No matter how trained you are, a good running app always comes in handy. In this article we list five excellent running apps.
Best running app for iPhone and Apple Watch: 5 great options
The great thing about running is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. You are not dependent on a gym, teammates (although running together can be motivating) and it costs nothing.
Almost nothing then, because a good pair of running shoes will certainly come in handy. Also required: a healthy dose of motivation and a little space to move. A running app is not a hard requirement: you can do your laps without it.
For many people, however, it is a nice helping hand. A good running app not only keeps track of your route and times, but also tries to help you on the basis of training schedules and tips, for example to prevent injuries.
The app should also work simply. At the start of the round you don’t want to mess around with complicated settings, but just start with 1 push of a button. In our opinion, these 5 running apps meet those criteria.
1. RunKeeper
RunKeeper is one of the most popular running apps on the App Store, and for good reason. The application is a running coach, motivator and stopwatch in one. Every step you take is recorded and after your training you will see an overview of the route and relevant statistics.
While running, you can turn the coach function on/off as you wish. Are you not waiting for this? Then connect Apple Music (or Spotify) with RunKeeper. So you can listen to your favorite music on the go. Extra nice is that the songs are played based on your tempo. During a sprint, the music also runs faster.
You can also connect other apps with RunKeeper, such as Fitbit, Zombies Run and MyFitnessPal. With a little configuration you can therefore use RunKeeper as an umbrella sports app, instead of ‘just’ a running buddy.
RunKeeper is free to use, but to unlock all features you have to pay. A monthly RunKeeper Go subscription costs 9.99 euros. If you pay for 1 year in advance, you are 39.99 euros lighter. Are you looking for a running app as a beginner? Then you can move forward with the free version.
2. Nike Run Club
You can train not only in Nike gear, but also with the brand. Besides the popular Nike Training Club fitness app, Nike also has an excellent running app: Nike Run Club. As you might expect based on the name, this app is especially nice when you go for a run with friends. You form a club in the app.
Nike Run Club combines competitiveness with fun and convenience. The app is very nice and simple: with a few taps on the button you start the training. While you are running, you will be kept informed of all relevant statistics, so you can see exactly how fast you are going.
A nice addition is the collaboration with Headspace, a well-known meditation app. When you turn on this feature, some coaches motivate you to reach the finish line. Also cool: in Nike Run Club you can watch training sessions of Nike-sponsored athletes. This gives you a glimpse into the kitchen of world toppers.
Furthermore, Nike Run Club is equipped with all the functions you would expect from a running app. For example, you can easily link the data with Apple’s Health app and set up your own music. The app can also be used with only an Apple Watch, so that you can also run without an iPhone in your pocket.
3. Strava
Strava was a very good running app for many years. It basically still is, as long as you’re willing to pull the wallet. Since 2020, a lot of functions that were previously free have been placed behind a paywall, for example the beloved leaderboard views.
In order to become profitable, Strava has made the decision to direct users towards subscriptions. There is nothing wrong with this in itself: nothing is free and the Strava staff also have to pay the rent. However, this has made the app less suitable for novice runners.
Strava is really made for experienced (outdoor) athletes. Do you fall under this group? Then you get a complete sports package with Strava. For example, you can extensively analyze your own training sessions, and even divide them by segment.
This allows you to see exactly in which part of the route your performance deteriorated, so that you can focus on this next time. In this way, you gradually build the perfect running session, which in turn has a positive influence on your place in the standings.
Like RunKeeper, Strava also works independently on the Apple Watch. You can try the very extensive running app for free, but as mentioned, you have to pay for most functions in the end. An annual subscription costs 59.99 euros. A (one-time) monthly subscription costs 7.99 euros.
4. Workout (Activity)
Do you have an Apple Watch? Then the Workout app from Apple is a practical and completely free alternative to the running apps in this overview. All information about your run is saved on the Apple Watch and transferred to the Activity app on your iPhone. The options are a bit more limited, because Workout is a general exercise app for all kinds of sports.
You can, however, invite other iPhone users to a competition. So don’t expect such an extensive amount of statistics and info or integration with music services. However, if you are looking for a great free alternative to paid running apps, Apple’s Workout app is more than enough for the hobby runner.
5. adidas Running
Nike competitor Adidas also has its own running app. adidas Running, formerly known as Runtastic, is especially nice if you’re willing to pay. The free version remains on the surface in terms of features.
As soon as you pay, Adidas Running gives you, among other things, a coach who encourages you not to give up while running. It is then also possible to download nutrition plans, you will receive special training plans and you can keep track of how (not) nutritious you have eaten in adidas Running.
After the workout, all data is sent to Apple’s Health app and adidas Running gives an important tip: hydrate. You have to replenish all the moisture that you lose. Of course you can listen to a story or turn on good music while running with Adidas Running thanks to the link with music apps, including Spotify.
The running app keeps you informed of your performance every week. You can also set a new goal for yourself, for example to lose a number of calories or run a certain distance.
More sports apps
The App Store is overflowing with sports apps. On iPhoned we therefore like to separate the wheat from the chaff and collect only the best applications. Do you want to exercise (more) and live a healthier life with your iPhone? Check the articles below to get started.
- Get fit without a gym: these are the 4 best fitness apps for home
- With these 7 workout apps you don’t have to go to the gym anymore
- This is how Apple Watch helps you get more results
- Guide: How to use Apple’s Activity app
- The 5 Best Free Calorie Counter Apps for iOS