Running is a no-frills sort of sport where you put on your running gear, lace up your running shoes and zip out of the house. Many seasoned and novice joggers alike often incorporate listening to music into their usual routine, bringing their iPods or smart phones with them to listen to their favourite work out beats. Well, for those of you who are looking for another way to use of your smart phones, in no order of preference, here we have ten running applications that will better your conventional jog!
1. Runkeeper
Runkeeper is an application that’s available for iPhone, Android and Windows users. It is a free application that keeps track of the distance ran, running speed and calorie output. What sets Runkeeper apart is the function that saves your past statistics, as it is able to store data from previous runs. It also allows the user to share clocked timings and distances on social mediums. For runners who are passionate about other sports, fret not, Runkeeper can also be used for various activities like cycling and skiing.
App name: Runkeeper
Cost: Free
2. Endomondo
The application Endomondo allows users to be incredibly social. It encourages contact and keeps in touch with friends’ live and past running data. This increases its value as an application as it can be used for friendly competitions between users, and pushes them to excel in their runs, whether or not they are in the same location. Being a very personalised application, you will have the luxury of creating personal goals and jogging trails on Endomondo. It’s free on all platforms of usage, although there is a paid version that costs $5.98, which comes with additional features like audio coaching, sending and receiving friends’ pep talks.
App name: Endomondo
Cost: Free
3. adidas miCoach
adidas miCoach is a free application made only available to iPhone and Android users. The main attraction of this application is that it uses real-time voices to provide training, and users can choose from a range of voices and languages. The training programmes that adidas miCoach offers are either focused on cardio, strength or even flexibility. It’s perfect for those who prefer solo exercise and are seeking to challenge themselves. Furthermore, adidas miCoach has the ability to deliver reports on the user’s speed and stamina development.
App name: adidas miCoach
Cost: Free
4. MapMyRun
Not only does MapMyRun track materials like the distance, elevation, routes, calories and nutritional levels of the user and friends, it also has a feature that enables users to plan healthier diets. It does this by noting and storing nutritional information about the food you consume, and this makes MapMyRun ideal for those who are diet-conscious and want to regulate their food intake. Additionally. MapMyRun lets you find routes uploaded by other users, so it’s more convenient for you to be creative and plan your own jogging routes. It’s a free application for iPhone, Blackberry and Android.
App name: MapMyRun
Cost: Free
5. Zombies, Run!
For those of you who need a little extra push, or are simply looking for renewed impetus to run, Zombies, Run! is definitely the application that will keep you on your toes! iPhone, Android and Windows users merely have to remunerate a fee of $5 to delve into the virtual world whereby they have to run for survival, endure zombie attacks, and even build a base and fight for supplies to stay alive. This will give users the energy to run in the real world. Zombies, Run! is an exceedingly exciting experience that gets adrenaline pumping and will give you a completely new outlook on running.
App name: Zombies, Run!
Cost: S$5
6. Couch-to-5k
Subsequently, we have Couch-to-5k, an application that helps beginner runners achieve a running distance of 5km, hence the name. Costing $2.50 for iPhone and Android, this application takes users through an intensive but beneficial nine week training plan, where the goal is to get these runners to complete 5km with ease. Couch-to-5k times the runs and has installed audiovisual coaching. Other quirky qualities would be the virtual dogs and zombies that users can activate to push their perseverance.
App name: Couch-to-5k
Cost: S$2.50
7. iSmoothRun
iSmoothRun is only downloadable for iPhone users, and has both a free version and a paid version for $6.30. It has GPS tracking, stores data and can schedule workouts for you. Moreover, it monitors heart rates and has cadence tracking, so users will know how to enhance their footstep pattern while jogging to give them a superior running experience. iSmoothRun can also be used for any other outdoor sport.
App name: iSmoothRun
Cost: Free/ S$6.30
8. SmartRunner
Accessible and free of charge for all smartphone platforms, SmartRunner records users’ exercise regime numbers, be it a run or a hike, and publish it on the SmartRunner’s home page. It lets users personally tailor their training procedures to fit accordingly to the distance, time, pace and amount of calories they are aiming to lose. This application is simple to use and is makes the planning of routes more precise.
App name: SmartRunner
Cost: Free
9. Nike+
Next, we have the application Nike+ Running that stores both the statistics of the jogger and other users that the jogger is connected to. It collects both prior and current figures of timings, distance and jogging trails. The inimitable component of Nike+ Running is that you get to choose and activate a personal power song when you’re nearing the end of your run, as an incentive to motivate you to finish off the run at top speed. This application is costless, and available for iPhone and Android smartphones.
App name: Nike+
Cost: Free
10. Upbeat Workouts for Runners
Finally, we have Upbeat Workouts for Runners, an application available for usage only on iPhone, and costs $3.70 to download. It’s leading feature is on the music accompaniment that joggers can arrange for. Upbeat Workouts for Runners automatically matches the user’s pace to the beats of the songs stored in the phone. If the user is sprinting, the application will instinctively play a song which is hyped up, or if the running speed is slower, the song will switch to a relaxing tune. It matches the mood of the runner impeccably, making the work out very enjoyable.
App name: Upbeat Workouts for Runners
Cost: S$3.70
Whether with great music, battling it out with fellow runners, or being chased by mindless zombies, these application will inspire you to run to your fullest potential. Your typical running routine will be positively spiced up! Which application(s) do you use? Share your thoughts below!
