Apps for beginner runners
Starting to run is not that easy. You can’t run one stretch in the beginning and you may need some guidance and a training schedule. Fortunately, you don’t have to run with a crumpled piece of paper, because there are several iPhone apps for beginners that will help you get started. Most include training plans that alternate between running and walking, then getting ready for longer stretches: a 20-minute run or a 5-kilometer (5K) run. Below you will find three apps that are very suitable for novice runners, because they provide extra guidance.
- Apps for beginners
- Nike Run Club
- Running with Evy
- Run keeper
- More apps
- Advanced apps
If you’re looking for Apple Watch apps for running, take a look at our round-up.
Nike Run Club
Sports brand Nike has a long-standing partnership with Apple and together they released the Apple Watch Nike+. However, the included Nike Run Club app can also be downloaded for free for iPhone and Apple Watch users without the special Apple Watch Nike+.
The Nike Run Club (abbreviated to NRC, but not the newspaper) sends you a daily reminder asking if you’re going to run today. You have the option in the NRC app to make your goal your last achievement. In this way, the app tries to motivate you to break your record every time. To begin with, you can use a schedule. You are assigned goals based on your weight, height, gender and your current sports activities. These goals will grow with you as you progress.
There is an option to complete different challenges. For example, there is a monthly challenge to cover 50 kilometers in the whole month. That’s about a mile a day and can be a good motivator to stick to your goals. After all, it’s hard to put it off until the last day.
Nike is of course known for its shoes and they are also built into the app. You will receive advice and information about which type of shoe best suits your workouts. You can also add shoes from many other brands and create an objective for them. So you can really say that you have traveled hundreds of kilometers on a pair of shoes.
Running with Evy
The Flemish TV presenter Evy Gruyaert is the face of Start to Run, an initiative of sports marketing agency Golazo and the Flemish Athletics League. There is also a companion app. While you are running, Evy speaks to you encouragingly. In the app you will find training schedules for 5 km, 10 km, 10 miles, half marathon and marathon, making the app suitable for advanced runners as well. Running schedules cost points, which you can purchase through the app.
After running, if the data is known, your route will be shown in colors. These colors indicate your heart rate zones. There is also an Apple Watch app available that allows you to start and track your runs.
Run keeper
This app from Asics is a popular app for exercising. During exercise you are guided by sound. You will receive updates via your earbuds about your progress, among other things. The app tries to motivate you to break your records and in an overview you can see how you are doing compared to your previous running sessions.
Another useful feature of Runkeeper is the ability to follow training plans that are specifically aimed at a specific goal, such as being able to run a 5K run, a (half) marathon and more. Based on a number of questions, the app creates goals for you, which then grow along with your performance. You can also choose which days you will exercise, so that you can add it to your daily life yourself. Every week you get an overview and an objective for the next week.
Do you have an Apple Watch? Then Runkeeper does even more. You can then leave your iPhone at home and train only with your watch. Before running you can indicate at what pace you want to run and the distance. You choose from an easy 20-minute workout, a 3.6-kilometer workout, and a shorter 3.2-kilometer workout. At some distances you also get rest moments. Why Runkeeper maintains these separate distances is a mystery to us, but they are ideal for the novice runner. While running, your heart rate, pace and distance covered are shown on your Apple Watch.
After your workout, your activities are synced to HealthKit. In Apple’s Health app you get a detailed overview that can be combined with other apps that support HealthKit. Your regular activities such as climbing stairs and walking are also shown if they are measured by your iPhone or Apple Watch.
More apps for runners
- Couch to 5K® – Run workout ($5.99, iPhone/WatchiOS 11.0+) – The most famous app to get you ready for the 5 kilometers.
- Zombies, Run! (Free, iPhone/Watch + IAPiOS 14.0+) – Turns running into an exciting adventure, thanks to zombies chasing you.
- Weav Run: #1 Running Music (Free, iPhone + IAP, iOS 14.0+) – Note: Only available in the US App Store! If you’re looking for music while running, WeavRun has the solution. Synchronizes the music with your running pace.
- RunDouble (Go from couch to 5k in 9 weeks!) (Free, iPhone + IAPiOS 9.0+) – From couch-sitter to runner in a few weeks.
- Pacer Pedometer & BMI Tracker (Free, iPhone/Watch + IAPiOS 11.0+) – If you want to build a routine with running, this app will help you set the right pace.
- eRoutes Walking & Cycling Routes (Free, iPhone, iOS 9.0+) – If you don’t know how to walk: this app creates routes including directions and schedule.
- WorkOutDoors ($7.99, iPhone/Watch, iOS 12.0+) – The special thing about this app is that it allows you to create vector maps. Also offers an Apple Watch app.
Apps for advanced runners
- Strava: Running and Cycling (Free, iPhone/Watch + IAP, iOS 14.0+) – The app for cycling, running and swimming. Biggest plus is the active community.
- adidas Running – Sports Tracker (Free, iPhone/Watch + IAP, iOS 14.0+) – This running app is packed with useful features. For a fee you can listen to stories, so you don’t get bored for a moment. Also works on Apple Watch.
- Map My Run by Under Armor (Free, iPhone/Watch + IAP, iOS 14.0+) – Has a community of over 40 million members, thanks to this app. Today owned by Under Armour, the clothing brand. Find nearest workouts with the Routes feature and sync with data from Garmin and Fitbit.
- RunGo (Free, iPhone/iPad/Watch + IAP, iOS 13.0+) – Find fun routes to go for a run. You can also create your own routes.
- My Run Plan (Free, iPhone + IAP, iOS 10.0+) – An app for advanced runners. Creates a training plan based on your needs.
- iSmoothRun ($5.99, iPhone/Watch + IAP, iOS 15.0+) – Serious runners can use this app to record their metrics, such as cadence. Also remembers how many kilometers you have walked in a particular pair of shoes.
If you’re looking for Apple Watch apps for running, take a look at our round-up.
