The long winter has finally ended, and everybody is ready to get back outside and start those running training plans again. Whether you’re taking on a long-distance training plan or you’re a running weekend warrior, there are plenty of fitness apps for most smartphones. Using these apps can give a lot of feedback regarding your training. Some are GPS-enabled to provide maps, pacing and location. Some are voice-prompted training plans for specific distances. A few are designed to take you from a walker to a runner in a few weeks. Others are for picture enthusiasts and provide ease with social sharing. Here are some top choices:
Map My Run (free). This is a basic running app that tracks distance, speed and route while you’re moving. It can be used for other activities such as walking, biking and hiking with an easy-to-find activity setting. While you’re working out, you can access your music app on your iPhone and choose a route from those you’ve previously saved. Also, you can choose routes that other users have submitted to the Map My Run database. If you use a route and save your workout, the route goes into the database. Picking different routes can break up the same route routine. Some negative reviews of the app include options that many other apps offer for free, but must be purchased with a monthly membership with Map My Run. Audio coaching, heart rate zones and cadence are not included in the free version of the app.
Runtastic PRO ($4.99). This app is loaded with features such as tracking distance and speed; tracking speed between miles; tracking elevation, pace and calories; utilizing a virtual coach and voice feedback; and many others. You can add notes about weather, mood, surface issues, etc., on a workout summary page. The iPhone app includes an integrated music feature to use your own playlists. Runtastic PRO has very positive user reviews, and the one-time price is equivalent to monthly subscriptions for other comparable apps.
Fitsnap (free). This is for picture sharers — it only shares information on a picture. If you’re devoted to your Instagram account and love to share your workouts, this app is perfect for you. It’s easy to snap a picture or pull one from your photos, and add the workout information. The app lets you choose how you want your information displayed, choosing from banners, side bars, top and bottom placements, and shade backgrounds for easy viewing. The free version has a good variety of options. After you choose your picture and design, there’s a share function with an Instagram share. The photo opens in your Instagram for further editing and sharing.
Active.com Couch to 5K (free). There are several Couch to 5K apps. This one is a favorite because of the ease-of-use, virtual coaching and pre-made training plans. Each workout is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, including a warm-up, and slowly decreases the walk time and increases the run time. In eight weeks, the workouts are all running.
Nike+ Running (free). Even if you don’t have a FuelBand (and Nike has stopped developing them), this app is amazing. It can be used on the trails, treadmills, tracks or roads and still have accurate time, pace and distance. Audio feedback on this app is stellar, including the “Power Song” feature for those times when only “Eye of the Tiger” can get you through. Social sharing with ease, challenges and achievements round out this app, making it a nice addition to any smartphone.
Strava Running (free). Are you competitive much? Strava Running and Cycling (iOS and Android) is for you. With the usual speed, distance, time and course map, there are challenges and leaderboards just waiting for your face. Achievement badges make it even more fun. The Strava app supports several fitness trackers as well.
Zombies, Run! ($3.99). For those tired of the same routes, same songs and same scenery, shelling out $4 for this app is a no-brainer. In case of a true Zombie Apocalypse, you’ll be ready. It’s a virtual game with prompts to sprint with the sounds of approaching zombies. Each 30-minute workout is a narrative story in which you, the human hero, must gather items along the way (virtually) as you flee the zombies. As you complete each workout in the season, your achievements grow along with your survival home base. Skip the coffee mocha latte caramel flat whatever and spend it on this app. And of course, there is social sharing.
Summer is almost here and the races are lined up for a great summer and fall season. Whether you are out there for running for swimsuit season, training for a PR, using pictures to motivate your following, or just running from the Zombies, there is an app for you. Lace up, grab your device, and have a great workout.
More from U.S. News
10 Epic Trails Almost Anyone Can Hike
Easy Ways to Get 10,000 Steps Per Day
How to Lose 50 Pounds Without Really Trying
7 Running Apps for the Fierce and Determined — and Zombie Chasers originally appeared on usnews.com
