Best Running Apps for iPhone
If you want to live a healthier lifestyle and maybe even lose some weight, you need to get moving. One of the best ways to get started is by jogging, running, or walking every day.
Just by taking your daily steps, you can improve your life significantly. Yes, it doesn't sound like much, but it will have a positive impact.
Of course, this is easier said than done. How are you supposed to start running if you're not sure what to do? Sure, you can just go outside and start, but unless you have a plan, you're likely to quit before you make any progress.
Fortunately, you have technology on your side. The App Store has dozens of running apps that will help you track your progress, see how far you go, and even turn your morning run into an epic quest for survival. It doesn't matter if you have the right equipment, like special smart shoes, or you just want to run while being chased by zombies: the apps on this list will help you crush your running goals.
Read on for 9 of the best running apps you can install on your iPhone to help you get started.
Runna: Running Plans & Coach
Runna is an excellent app for beginners. As soon as you open the app, you can set your goals, and it will suggest personalized plans to help you achieve them.
What's great is that Runna doesn't just focus on running. Each personalized plan includes a series of other workouts. For instance, you can start doing pilates or mobility training. It even comes with different strength training workouts.
Another good thing about Runna is that it works no matter where you run. For example, the app can also track your performance and activities if you prefer to use a treadmill instead of going outside.
Strava: Run, Bike, Hike
Strava is one of the most popular running apps available — and for a good reason.
Strava lets you track your daily workouts and supports over 30 workout types, including runs, hikes, and yoga.
If you want to focus on running, the app has popular routes you can follow, but you can also create a custom route of your own.
The app also offers many challenges to give you extra motivation. You can also check a leaderboard with other Strava users or only your own statistics if you'd rather focus on yourself.
Couch to 5K - Run training
This app's name says it all: Couch to 5K is the perfect app for those of us who have never run a mile in our lives.
The app lets you choose your own training plan and even your own training coach. Different coaches will guide you through each workout and give you motivation when you need it.
The app also lets you track workouts other than running. But if you're only focusing on running, it can also track the distances you run and the progress you make.
One thing that makes Couch to 5K stand out is that it's a paid app with a one-time payment. That means you get all the premium features without being stuck with another monthly subscription.
Once you've done your first 5K run or you're a little more experienced, the developers behind the app also have a 5K to 10K app you might want to check out.
Nike Run Club: Running Coach
Nike offers a whole collection of great health and fitness apps that will help you crush your goals, including Nike Run Club,
This app is free to use, and it offers many different plans to help you reach your personal goals.
Each plan includes a coach to help you through your journey. The coach will teach you everything you need to know, and you can listen to them while you're out running.
Of course, Nike is primarily a footwear company, which is why it offers a cool feature: it lets you track the mileage of your shoes. That's right; the app will tell you how much you've run with your shoes and even suggest when it's time to change them.
Besides that, the app comes with many different challenges to stay motivated.
Zombies, Run! 5k Training
Running can be pretty boring for those just getting started, but with the Zombies Run! app, it doesn't have to be.
In this app, you're part of a zombie apocalypse, and you must run or walk to save yourself.
The more you run or walk, the more the story will progress. There are missions you'll need to complete simply by running or walking.
This app features an eight-week program, as it's only meant to help you complete your first 5K. However, the developers have other interesting Zombie-related apps filled with missions. to keep you engaged.
All workouts inside this app were created by professionals, so you know you'll get your workout done and have fun at the same time.
Map My Run by Under Armour
This is an interesting app made by another sportswear company. The cool part is that it lets you track your workouts and even connect to your shoes. Yes, you read that right.
Map My Run is a running app that tracks over 600 different activities, including jogging, running, and swimming.
When you use the app outside, you'll get real-time data of your run and estimated details for when you finish the route. You can also get guided coaching during your runs if you want.
As we mentioned before, you can connect your shoes. Of course, they need to be specific smart shoes made by Armour. But if you have a pair, you can link them and get details about the runs.
The good news is that you can still use the app even if you don't have smart shoes, and you'll also find a community of people to help you stay motivated.
Peloton: Fitness & Workouts
Peloton is a complete fitness app that you can use for pretty much anything.
The app is filled with different workouts you can do at home, but if you're more focused on running, you can also find guided workouts that will help you crush your goals.
You can track your progress inside the app and even take on other challenges to keep you motivated.
Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ is an excellent app for iPhone and Apple Watch users, especially if you only plan to run at home. If you have a treadmill, the Apple Fitness+ subscription service will get you moving with dozens of guided workouts you can run whenever you want.
However, it's not confined to indoor activities. There are also Time to Walk and Time to Run audio workouts to help motivate you and keep you company during outdoor fitness excursions.
The service even has a collection of specific workouts to help you run your first 5K, plus other collections can help you practice mindfulness, improve your strength, or cool down after a workout.
The best part is that plenty of other workouts are available if you want more. From strength to dance and even meditation, there's something for everyone.
Of course, what's great about Apple Fitness+ is how well it works with all your Apple devices. You can connect it to your Apple Watch to see your rings and heart rate on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV during your workout.
ASICS Runkeeper—Run Tracker
Runkeeper is a simple but effective running app that tracks your runs in real time using your iPhone's GPS.
It also gives you all the necessary information to improve, like your pace time and the distance you've run.
And if you need help getting moving, the app offers customizable training plans to keep you motivated. There are also monthly challenges you can take on to see how much you can achieve.
When you go on a run, you can choose to go on one of the routes the app suggests or create your own. Whichever option you choose, you can get advice from professional coaches to help you improve your times.