Embarking on a running journey is highly rewarding. It is one of my favourite things to do, both meditative and good for the health and combined with a good podcast or audio book can be educative too! Choosing an app to track though can be frustrating.
Still as my brother often says the key metric to track is whether you are alive at the end and whether you feel better for it!
Over the years, I’ve experimented with several running apps, each offering unique features. Here’s a rundown of my experiences and the tools that have shaped my running routine.
Couch to 5K: The Starting Point
My foray into running began with the Couch to 5K program. This app was instrumental in transforming me from a sedentary individual to someone who could confidently run 5 kilometers. Its structured approach, gradually increasing running intervals, made the process manageable and less daunting.
Garmin Connect: My Current Companion
After using a TomTom watch for some time, I transitioned to a Garmin running watch, and with it came the Garmin Connect app. See this post for some useful tips on how the app works. This app seamlessly syncs with my watch, providing detailed insights into my runs, including cadence, heart rate, and VO2 max. The ability to analyze my performance metrics has been invaluable in tracking improvements and setting new goals. It also syncs to Strava.
Strava: The Social Runner’s Network
Originally designed for cyclists, Strava has rightly become the market leader in running apps. Along with accurate run tracking, it offers features like segments and leaderboards, which add a competitive edge and push you to improve.
What really sets Strava apart, though, is its strong sense of community. You can follow friends, comment on their activities, and even use it as a kind of running diary. One of my brothers does exactly that—complete with amusing captions and photos from his routes. He doesn’t just use it for running, either, but also for walks, bike rides, canoe trips, and even swims.
MapMyRun and MapMyFitness: Versatile Tracking
Both MapMyRun and MapMyFitness, owned by Under Armour, offer comprehensive tracking features. While I don’t use them extensively, I appreciate their versatility in tracking various workouts. The integration with nutrition tracking tools can be beneficial for those looking to monitor their overall fitness and health.
Endomondo: A Nostalgic Farewell
I once used Endomondo, which was also under the Under Armour umbrella. Unfortunately, the service was discontinued on December 31, 2020. While it’s no longer available, it played a role in my early running days, and I remember it well enough to want to mention it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right running app often depends on personal preferences and specific goals. For me, Garmin Connect and Strava have become indispensable, offering detailed analytics and a sense of community, respectively. Starting with Couch to 5K was a game-changer, and I highly recommend it to anyone new to running.
Remember, the best app is the one that keeps you motivated and aligns with your fitness objectives. Feel free to share your favorite running apps and experiences in the comments below!
