Running is a trendy form of exercise, both literally and figuratively speaking. And sure, there’s a certain charm to tying those new fancy running shoes, listening to some up-beat music, and take off on a run. But sometimes you need a little extra motivation, something that keeps you going that extra mile, and a little faster. Sometimes you also need that push to even leave the apartment.
For those that want to keep the pace on the running track, we’ve listed a few of our favorite apps for running. Test the app Zombies, Run! If you dare…
So tie your shoelaces, eat some carbs – let’s go!
Price: Free (in-app purchases)
Platform: iOS and Android
This is one of the most popular GPS apps and was one of the first ones of its kind on the market. More than 26 million people use the app all over the world. Apart from running, you can track walks, bike rides and workouts. The app calculates the average speed, hight differences and burned calories. In the app you can set goals and choose among a variety of different training programs, and you can also get continuous status updates of how it’s going. You can also use a heartbeat bracelet with bluetooth, it works as long as there’s a GPS signal. In the Runkeeper app you can also share your progression on social media if you need an extra boost after that tough workout.
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Nike isn’t only great when it comes to hot and trendy exercise attire, but have also proven skilful when it comes to equipment. Their apps work perfectly for running with their challenges and coaching. You can also get distance challenges every week or month to stay motivated and the app frequently updates you of how long you’ve ran. You can also sync the app with Spotify and there are pre-made playlists to listen to that are suited for running. After your workout you can easily see the numbers of how it want as well as a map with hight differences during the run. A new feature in the app is ability to record your own cheering that you can send to friends while running.
Price: Free
Platform: iOS
For those with an iPhone we recommend the app Fartlek. The app works as a training buddy that you bring in your pocket. Get out on a run and let Fartlek decide when it’s time to speed up or down. There are three levels you can choose between: Middle, Go Go Go and Are you crazy? You choose how long the workout should be and what it should consider fast or slow for you. In essence, a perfect app for those who are interested in internal runs. If you want to keep better track of the parameters of your run, you can use the app at the same time as a regular GPD app is on the background
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
This is an app for those who are a little extra precautious. Before the run you can send out a message to chosen contacts that notifies them that you’re going out for a run. The message includes an eCrumb, an electronic breadcrumb, that allows your chosen contacts to track you while you’re out. There’s also a security feature that sends out a message if you’ve been standing still for long. You need to answer this message, and if you don’t, your contacts will be messaged that something isn’t right. The app works just a good to stay safe during the run as a late-night walk with your dog or if your children are walking home alone from school.
Price: Free (in-app purchases)
Platform: iOS and Android
The next app is a little more unusual, Zombies, Run! If you want to keep super track of your run, maybe this isn’t the app for you since it only lets you see distance and time. But if you want to turn your exercise into something fun and save the world from Zombies – we totally recommend this app! Every run is started by a history and a mission, and thereafter you have to keep the right pace to complete the task and avoid the zombies chasing you. Before every run you choose how duration so the app can adjust the storyline. In the free version there’s a limited number of stories but by upgrading for 200 kr you have over 200 different adventures do enjoy while running.
Price: Free (in-app purchases)
Platform: iOS and Android
No matter if you’re an experienced run or a newbie, Map My Run gives you the tools needed to stay motivated and reach your running goals. The apps gives you personal tips and coaching. With Map My Run app you also have a community with over 60 million athletes that support and help each other in the app. It can also be connected with different units, such as Apple Health, Garmin, Fitbit, Jawbone, all to give you a sleepless running experience.
Price: Free (in-app purchases)
Platform: iOS and Android
The app Pacer is a fitness-tracker and pedometer that uses the already built-in sensors in your phone to track your steps and works perfectly in the background. Users kan track their activity history and see movement trends. The app also works great with other fitness apps such as; Apple Health, Fitbit and MyFitnessPal that allow you to sync your data to these units.
These apps can be found in Apple’s Appstore or Google’s Google Play.