Has the momentum of your running routine fallen away during the COVID-19 pandemic? Don’t worry if you answered yes; research suggests you’re not alone. If you want to get moving again, but are struggling in the motivation department, try a running app.
Whether you are lacing up for the first time in a while or trying to reignite your love of running, you might need a little extra help to get started. Luckily, there are hundreds of apps that can help. These days, apps can not only track your run, but also coach you, motivate you with music, keep you safe, and more.
Guided running apps can help you push yourself to meet goals, or make running more enjoyable.Credit:iStock
Here are five of the best running apps to try on your next training session.
Adidas Runtastic
More than just a run and distance tracker, the app includes features such as regular challenges and virtual races that allow users to train with thousands of Adidas runners from around the world.
The basic (free) app includes built-in GPS, pedometer and kilometre tracker to track distance, and performance indicators such as voice prompts for pace alerts.
The premium membership costs $14.99 per month or $79.99 per year and comes with added features including personalised training plans for 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon, interval-training workouts and an auto pause-and-resume function.
Apple Fitness+
Apple recently announced that its award-winning fitness and wellness service will be available for all iPhone users to subscribe to and enjoy, even if they don’t have an Apple Watch later this year.
The service features more than 200 Fitness+ Treadmill workouts, which are inspired by outdoor hills, trails and running tracks. The trainers use different inclines and speeds to help users go farther and get faster, and workouts range from 10 to 45 minutes. Another great feature is Time to Run. It’s an audio running experience led by a Fitness+ trainer that can be experienced outside, or inside on a treadmill. Episodes feature popular running routes in some of the world’s most iconic locations such as Sydney, Yellowstone National Park, Mexico City and Queenstown. Apple Fitness+ costs $14.99 per month or $119.99 annually.
There are a number of free apps, as well as ones with subscriptions, to keep you moving.Credit:iStock
Keep it Cleaner (KIC)
This health and wellness app champions progress, not perfection across movement, mindfulness and meals. KICRUN is one of the app’s popular features. It’s a physio-developed, eight-week guided run program, consisting of three audio-guided runs per week with the option of a 0-5km or a 5-10km guided run program.
KIC has recently launched a new series of masterclasses for treadmill running. Programmed by physios, the experience guides users through an energised treadmill run for 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes, spanning beginner, intermediate and advanced options.
Since launching in 2021, more than 100,000 runs have been completed by the KICRUN community. A KIC subscription costs $19.49 monthly, $49.99 quarterly or $115 annually.
Nike Run Club (NRC)
Whatever your goal, via the free NRC app your Nike running coach has a plan for you. One that starts with your goals and fitness level, and adapts as you progress. There are more than 185 Nike Master Trainer workouts to support your running journey, including ‘first run’, ‘first speed run’, ‘long runs’ and even a half-marathon guided plan.
The NRC app allows users to track their runs like any other activity tracker, but the app’s winning feature is the guided runs. From speed, to tempo, to recovery and long runs, the runs are all guided by a Nike coach. Some even have guests like Olympian long-distance runner and London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe or the co-founder of meditation and wellness app Headspace, Andy Puddicombe.
Peloton
While famous for its cycle workouts, the Peloton interactive fitness platform offers an eye-watering range of live and on-demand exercise classes including treadmill and outdoor running workouts.
Peloton has 25 tread instructors who specialise in a range of running classes and programs to suit all abilities. Peloton broadcasts and produces both indoor running classes and outdoor audio runs (including walks, mid-distance and marathon training) as well as Strength for Runners programs.
Runners without a Peloton Bike can still train with Peloton via the app. Access to the Peloton App is free to All-Access Members (Bike owners); while the app-only membership is available for $16.99 AUD/month for non-Bike owners.
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