1. Runner’s World Go
Whether your goal is getting out on the road more, running your first race, or crossing the marathon finish line with a new PB, Runner’s World Go provides all the tracking tools, expert knowledge, and motivation you need to absolutely crush it
2. Strava
In addition to a fully featured GPS tracking service, Strava shows you a feed of your friends’ most recent activities and lets you compete against them in challenges—such as fastest half marathon or most miles during a 30-day period. Strava’s top feature is its segment rankings—a leaderboard of all performances over sections of specific hills, roads, or trails.
3. MapMyRun
Long the leader in online running routes, this app is a smart pick for navigating a new destination. You can easily load any of your previously created routes, or those nearby generated by other runners, and follow a breadcrumb trail on the screen. We especially like this feature when running in new cities, where you might otherwise just resort to running out-and-back along some heavily trafficked roadway.
4. Garmin Mobile Connect
Garmin is one of the best in the business when it comes to GPS tracking hardware. Software? Not so much; others do better. But the Garmin Connect Mobile app is a must-have if you own a bluetooth compatible device like the Forerunner 220/620 or Fenix 2. Through the app, you can enable a “LiveTrack” session to share your activity (and location) in real time—limited to friends you send an invitation to. After a run, the workout details from your watch can be wirelessly uploaded to the Garmin Connect website.
5. Runner’s World Smart Coach
This app helps runners of every level set their goals and track their training easily. Smart Coach combines science, maths, and 40 years of collective running wisdom to bring a proven individualised training program that is customised to each runner’s fitness level.
6. Nike+
In addition to the basic tracking—distance and time—Nike has engineered its app to cheer every time you receive a Facebook “like” or comment, encouraging you to keep running strong until the end. Nike+ also has teamed up with Spotify to more easily access music while using the Nike+ app.
7. Couch-to-5K
The popular Couch-to-5K app helps new runners avoid injury from doing too much, too soon. Three 30-minute workouts per week get you ready for a 5K race in only nine weeks. Along the way, your time and distance is tracked using GPS, and a virtual coach gives you verbal cues about your workout. After each run, your data can be logged to active.com. New updates allow you to train and interact with friends via comments and a newsfeed.
8. MyFitnessPal
This app tracks more than just your kilojoules. Using this app allows you to see the breakdown of your diet in terms of how much fat, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, and more you consume when you log your food. Set a weight loss goal or try and maintain your current weight as this app helps you keep track of you nutrition and workouts in one place, informing you of how many kilojoules you have left in the day.
9. Zombies, Run!
Do you find it hard to motivate yourself to run. Perhaps you’re just listening to music and want something more—like crazed undead people chasing after you. Zombies, Run! could be your solution. This app puts you in a zombie apocalypse situation providing a series stories and missions for you to run to. Running is vital for survial in this app as it allows you to collects gear and supplies to protect and build your base.
10. Fearless
Fearless works like an invisible personal security guard that can send a touch-activated distress signal, instantly. When you go out for a run, you can put the app in standby mode with a single tap, which means it is ready to alert up to three pre-selected emergency contacts. If you feel in danger, simply double tap the app and Fearless instantly sends a distress SMS to your trusted contacts.
