5 Free (For the Most Part) Running Apps

Honestly the greatest innovation in running hasn’t been the shoes, the apparel, or even the massage gun, it’s all about the running apps.

Since GPS made into our phones running apps have been developed as ways to track our progress, but now they go so much farther. Lap times, pace, cadence, heart rate, location, oscillation, training plans, steps, sleep, and sop much more is now logged and ready for us to understand.

But that’s a lot. If you are new to running it is a lot more than you need to know right now. So what do you do, and what do you choose?

First you read this article, then choose one of the apps on the free setting and use it until you feel ready to upgrade.

That simple.

Ready to do this?

(Oh, and I am getting nothing from promoting running apps which is why I have not included links to their sites. But I am sharing links to Google searches for reviews on these apps. So you get more information to make the best choice for you.)

5 Running Apps You Can Use Today

Strava

This is the big one. It seems like every runner is on it, and mostly they are. Strava smartly realized there is a social component to running and basically made it the Instagram of running.

With Strava you can map out routes, record your runs and add pictures and notes to share with people in your running community. There are safety features that hide the start and stop points of your journey, or you can choose to not share your route at all.

The nice thing is that it takes the data and basically creates a simple post for you that others can like or give you words of encouragement. Generally it is a very supportive and nice community, where you can control your exposure to strangers.

Runkeeper

This one is more of a personal log and motivator compare to Strava. Runkeeper is based on providing training and audio coaching which could be very beneficial if you need the extra motivation. You don’t have to use the coaching element and the app will still log all of your miles, paces, locations, and progress.

It has a very clean and simple to use layout, but it does push a little hard to get you to sign up for more premium plans. If you can ignore that it can be a great app to see how much you improve and enjoying running.

MapMyRun

This one has been around forever. At first it was a tool to mostly just plan running routes, but over time it added feature after feature. Today MapMyRun is apart of an ecosystem of apps that allow for run tracking, training, shoe tracking, and even nutrition tracking.

If your main goal for running is to lose weight using this platform can be a big help with increasing activity and tracking the amount of calories you intake. The nutrition app does take some getting used to, mostly because it does take some time to input all of the food you are eating. But no one else is offering that level of nutrition tracking and exercise tracking on a free platform.

Nike Run Club (NRC)

I actually got started with NRC a little over a decade ago when I started running. And it is a great beginner app. It is completely free, has a simple layout and is easy to use, and offers some coaching an tips. Oh did I mention it is completely free?

Outside of those features, there isn’t much else. You will not be able to get extra stats added by using a running watch, or be able to customize workouts. But, if you just started do you really need those options? No, you don’t.

Pacer

Pacer is for the walker/runners. If you are new to running, or prefer to o more walk/runs, this app could work well for you. It has a step tracker and fitness challenges to keep you going and show your progress. It also tracks calories burned, distance, and gives you a GPS map of your activity.

If you are more inclined to run than do a run/walk this app will fall a bit short. Another downside is that it might be a little cumbersome to get set up and use, but once you get used to the app it’s not bad.

What Do You Need Running Apps to Do?

Starting with Running Apps

Honestly, you do not need an app to run. People ran for centuries without them, and we still can. But they make it more interesting, fun, and its nice to see you are doing something.

So if it is day one of running and now you are freaking out about which app to get. STOP. Just go for your run, keep it easy, and you can find an app when get back. Just because it’s not in the cloud doesn’t mean you didn’t do it.

Too Many Running Apps?

If there seems to be too many choices, or just too much information, don’t worry about it. Just pick one. Any of these will work for new runners. As you progress, get stronger and better at running then you might want to revisit which one you’re using, or even upgrade to a watch instead.

For right now just keep it simple, and get out there.