A lot has changed since we pickedour favorite running appsa few years ago.
Heres how to choose.
First, some ground rules: All five of these are available on both iOS and Android.
All can post your just-completed run to Facebook, if you like.
Music and data collection both automatically pause whenever you stop moving.
A voice supplies a time/distance/pace check-in every mile (configurable, of course).
On distance runs, the voice lets you know when youre halfway, and when theres one mile left.
For example, can we each rack up 100 miles before the end of the summer?
The app will recommend a level based on the runs youve already logged.
It then (optionally) asks for the date of your race.
Heart rate data is also available with subscription.
Social features:you’re able to add other MapMyRun users as friends to share your activities.
In the paid version, friends can watch you on a map through a feature calledlive tracking.
MapMyRun also hascourses, which are like routes except…different.
Training features:A paid subscription lets you access training plans for various race distances.
you could also set goals based on time or number of workouts.
Then there are the challenges.
Challenges arent among friends, like Nikes.
Did we mention this app is owned by the makers of Under Armour?
You wont be able to forget it.
Theres even a link to buy Under Armour gear in the main menu.
MapMyRun also works with a ton of activity trackers, including theFitbitand even other running apps like Nike+.
Runkeeper (iOS/Android): The Full-Featured Favorite
Runkeeperisone of your long time favoritesoniOSandAndroid.
It has tons of features, though some are hidden behind a paid membership.
On iOS, you could choose a distance, time, or pace-based run just like on Nike+.
What youll hear:Runkeeper will play any music you like, even your favorite podcast app.
you might also view your average pace for each mile.
Social features:you’re able to let the world know that you were with another Runkeeper runner.
Training features:Training plans are a feature of paid accounts.
There are pre-built plans, and custom plans that adjust every week to keep you on track.
There are also challenges that award you a badge upon completion.
The Netherlands won last year.
Downsides:Not manyrunkeeper is a solid program.
Some features are only available with a paid subscription ($9.99/month or $39.99 yearly).
Runkeeper can read data fromsome devices, including the Fitbit, but not many others.
The app is available oniOSandAndroid.
you’re free to also connect abluetooth heart rate monitor.
The screen you see during the run has music controls in a convenient place.
Theres a powersong button, too, just like in Nike+.
Social features:Check out how your friends are doing on the leaderboard.
Other goodies:One of Runtastics neatest features is its series of Story Runs.
Of course, once youre out, theres a cliffhanger that entices you to buy Tetradome Run II.
Downsides:Routes, intervals, and many other features only come with a paid subscription.
Theres also a dizzying array of Runtastic apps for different sports and other functions.
One is for cycling.
Another is calledButt Trainer.
Pick up Strava oniOSorAndroid.
How you set up your run:The only complicated part is finding where you start your run.
Its hidden in a menu at the top left.
What youll hear:Not much, if you take the default configs.
Youre on your own for music.
After your run:Add a photo, and note the jot down of activity.
Some are long, like a five-mile loop, while others are short stretches.
Many (especially the cycling ones) are hill climbs.
Users compete to get the coveted course record badge.
you’ve got the option to also compare your own performance on the same segment over time.
Downsides:Strava is a little different than the others on our list.
Illustration by Angelica Alzona.
Screenshot backgrounds byDean Hochman.
