Track KMs on your shoes and get virtual cheers during long runs with these next-level app features you probably haven’t tried.
In a world where technology could easily run laps around your kilometre pace, app developers are constantly coming up with new tools to help you get more out of every run.
So we reached out to the biggest run-tracking apps out there and asked them one simple question: what’s the one feature more runners need to know about on your platform? Consider their answers your key to upgrading your runs – and results.
1. Strava’s Matched Runs
Was the tough (yet awesome) hill you climbed along your favorite route slowing you down more so than usual on a recent outing? Fortunately, Strava’s Matched Runs feature pulls together all the activities you’ve completed along those routes to show you your progress over time. Along with simply showing that, yes, you’ve run that loop around your neighborhood literally hundreds of times, this tool can be helpful in finding trends in your fastest and slowest paces, as well as your all-time averages. Learn more at strava.blog.com.
2. Runkeeper’s Fix It Button
Whether you run in a city with tall buildings or you seek out some “out there” trails, finicky GPS can make your workout look off right away. For example, you head out on an 8K run and, 15 minutes into it your run tracker says you’re going at a sub-3:10 kilometre. (Whaaaaaa?!?) While it might be tempting to believe that you somehow cut your pace in half, the more likely scenario is that poor GPS signal. Runkeeper’s solution: tap the “fix it” button to smooth out your GPS points and get more accurate run stats while you’re still sweating. Learn more at support.runkeeper.com.
3. Runmeter’s Siri Integration
This app is available for Android and Apple users alike, but if you have iOS 11, it comes with one big bell and whistle: Siri integration. Try commands like “Siri. Start my workout with Runmeter,” or “Hey, Siri. Pause my workout with Runmeter.” The app will take it from there. No more fumbling with your phone with sweaty hands midrun . Learn more at abvio.com/runmeter.
4. Runtastic’s LIVE Tracking and Cheering
If only training runs had cheering sections like big city marathons, right? With Runtastic’s LIVE Tracking and Cheering feature, as soon as you hit the trail, the app posts a message to Facebook so your friends and family can follow you and cheer you on along the way. You’ll be able to hear every “Like” and cheer through your headphones as they happen. Learn more at runtastic.com/blog.
5. MapMyRun’s Footwear Integration
Under Armour’s smart shoes (like the Under Armour Speedform Gemini 3 RE) just got smarter. Sync them to MapMyRun to get real-time stats on your cadence, speed, distance, and, get this: shoe life. The app will even send you a notification when it’s time to replace your worn-out kicks for a fresh pair. Learn more at support.mapmyfitness.com.
