Best Running Apps 2018 Couch To 5K Fitness Tracking

The breadth and depth of this free content feels generous, especially when you consider that Strava now hides this kind of stuff behind a paywall. Occasionally, some of the narration veers into being cheesy, but during testing, we found the upbeat run coaches were a solid source of encouragement. In essence, it’s very similar to the Runna app featured above, but Coopah comes at a slightly lower price point. So, if you’re looking to save a bit of money, I’d highly recommend giving Coopah a go. It offers all the key features you need, just with a different interface, gentler pace targets, and slightly less cross-training support, which I cover in more detail in my full review of the Coopah app.

Nike Run Club Is a Slick, Fun App for Casual and Intermediate Runners

When comparing race results with her peers, the Speedster is often frustrated that she can perform so well at short races but as the distance increases, she gets left behind. Platforms such as Runna and Nike Run Club offer training plans that help runners prepare for races or gradually increase their running volume. These plans can be especially useful for runners working towards goals such as their first 5K or a marathon. In 2024, Runna was acquired by Strava, although the app continues to operate as a standalone platform focused specifically on coaching and training plans. While Strava is primarily used for tracking activities and analysing performance data, Runna focuses on creating structured training programmes that guide runners through each stage of their preparation.

New Year, New Gear: The Best Health and Fitness Tech Gifts

Plus, there are other features within your results so you can adjust your training and race paces for heat or altitude. You can calculate your training heart rate zones and even print out your calculator results. Whether you’re looking for a mile calculator or marathon pace calculator, the McMillan Running Pace Calculator does it all. This isn’t the best app for serious runners – there are no training plans or competitive running metrics, but if you want to make running with your local running club more fun, it’s a cool way to do that. Peloton offers a month’s free trial for their app, which is a fantastic amount of time to really test its different features (there are cycling and strength training workouts on there too).

Similarly, some apps offer richer and more varied route planning options than a watch can like the Footpath app. I’m currently using Coopah to train for my second marathon, and I’ve been really impressed by how the app takes my goals and recent running mileage into account. Instead of throwing you into intense paces right from the start, it eases you in while still focusing on every aspect of improving your performance. From speed sessions and tempo runs to long runs, easy miles, and even strength and yoga sessions for mobility, Coopah covers all the bases to help you become a stronger, well-rounded runner.

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Experience

People love this one specifically because it links with Google Earth to make route mapping super easy, especially in a new city, which makes it great for working out while traveling. Map My Run does all of the things you need a running app to do, but it also allows you to specify the “type” of run you’re on. For example, if you’re running indoors on a treadmill or out on a natural trail, those bits of data will be helpful to know when you’re looking back at your statistics. Map My Run is part of the Under Armour umbrella (along with MyFitnessPal), but like the Nike Run Club, no Under Armour gear required ;). Seasoned pros and new coaches alike, our training app equips you with the tools to grow and change lives.

Best Apps for Different Workouts

A unique feature, the Adidas Running app includes a “Story Run” feature for runners to enjoy immersive running experiences. Of course, the app also includes GPS tracking, as well as personalized coaching, running analytics, audio cues and feedback and social features. Adidas Running is perfect for runners who are seeking a blend of fitness tracking paired with storytelling to keep them further engaged. It can track runs from an Apple Watch or directly from your phone (put it in your pocket or running belt, and let it use your phone’s GPS). It has a library of guided runs and a few training programs, but you can also use it to track runs you do on your own (as long as you track them from the app).

🎯How does RunPulse calculate my real VMA?

Years ago, you could share a special link on Twitter or Facebook where your friends could click to send you a cheer; it’s unclear whether that still works. Nike’s documentation about the app tells you how to receive cheers, but not how to send them. Focus on one cue at a time – like running tall or keeping strides light – until it feels natural. After you’ve completed your race, use the set below the next time you have a race. Proper pacing is critical to getting the most from yourself on race day.

If you’re able to run 5 kilometers in under 60 minutes, you can start working on improving your 5k time with a personalized faster 5k training plan. Once you get to running 5k in under 60 minutes, you can use one of our faster 5k plans to improve your running performance. One of the best ways to achieve this is to use our new-to-running plan, which is 8 weeks long and will help you gradually improve your running ability with walking and running sessions towards running a 5k in one go. Every runner is different – that’s why the best way to start is with a plan that matches your fitness, goals, and lifestyle, giving you the structure and confidence to build from day one. Pumatrac also does it all, and also tracks the weather so you can get a well rounded picture of your run.

• The app can pair with a heart rate chest strap if you’re running without a watch.
• Alongside the free version of the app, Strava has a paid-for membership.
• Flip belt keeps everything secure and close to the body, and there’s a compartment for everything.
• I love this app, and I’d gladly recommend it to anyone who is getting bored with their runs.
• Focus on endurance and maintain it to develop your muscles and fitness.
• While TrainingPeaks does offer basic plans that are optimized for your training and race goals, if you really want to take it to the next level, then you should consider working with a coach.

Best running analytics app for Apple Watch users

It measures your stride length, your ground contact time, even the exact length and angle of your arm swings. Advanced GPS keeps better track of your location in a dense urban environment, and allows you to set a starting point that it can guide you back to. And perhaps most deviously, it keeps track of your pace on your favorite running paths, so you can constantly compete against yourself. This one will be my fourth, and you should know it took discipline to wait this long before mentioning that. But through the years, I’ve assembled a list of must-have items to make training and race day go that much more smoothly. Substantial trial and error and a truly obsessive need to make marathon training as pleasant as possible have made me an authority on what works and what doesn’t.

Your AI coach activated

I’ve hoarded fitness bands from Fitbit, Garmin, Amazfit, and others to compare how well they track my data and motivate my runs. I’ll analyze my fitness data from the best running apps to manufacturer-specific apps like Fitbit and Garmin. I’ll also experiment with more universal apps such as Strava and Google Fit to see how they compare.

Best for Long-Term Exercise Commitment

(The company has dropped its lawsuit against Garmin, so if you use one of those devices, no worries.) The app analyzes your data (and that of everyone else) to identify areas of overlap and compute a segment leaderboard. Newer features allow you to predict your finish time, compare it with previous efforts, receive custom routes, and add points of interest. If you use Strava, be sure to explore all of the app’s options for keeping your personal information private. The free version offers plenty to get you started, but to unlock the full potential of Strava, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid membership ($79.99 per year).

For many people running is a truly enjoyable way to get fit and keep fit, but there’s no doubt that when you first start out it’s hard. Depending on your prior level of fitness, it can be downright awful in fact, but rest assured with a proper plan you’ll quickly find it moves from intolerably hard to tolerably hard and start to enjoy running. Without a doubt, using TrainingPeaks has helped optimize my training, especially after being matched up with Coach Greg. Now, it didn’t result in a PR at both the HAT 50K and Boston, but that was largely due to unforeseen circumstances. That was a long slog, but I felt fantastic from beginning to end.

Find Your Perfect Training Plan

Good form makes running feel smoother, safer, and more enjoyable – especially when you’re just starting out. Small improvements in form can help you conserve energy, reduce impact, and lower injury risk. Even 1–2 short strength sessions per week can make a big difference. With Runna, you can add beginner-friendly strength sessions to your plan, designed to fit your schedule and ability. Training is only part of the equation – what you eat has a big impact on how you feel and perform. Good nutrition will give you the energy to train, help your body adapt, and speed up recovery.

Christina is a health commerce staff writer at Fortune with more than a decade of experience crafting engaging content for accessnewswire digital platforms. There are also a few red flags to watch for when you’re evaluating options. Thinking of taking the 13.1-mile plunge but not sure where to start? This half marathon plan will carry you from the sofa to the start line—and across the finish too.

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