The Best Beginner Running Apps!

If you’re looking to get fit or just starting to get in to a running routine, a new phone app can be a saviour of your new found mission. Some of these apps help you get started , some are designed to keep you motivated, while others look to compliment your music, but all of them keep track of your progress. Before you hit the road, make sure that you download one – or all! – of these apps that we love for new runners.

Couch-to-5k by Rundouble

Compatibility: Android, iOS

This popular app platform graces the top of our list because we believe it would be the perfect place to start. Designed from an idea first put out by Josh Clark nearly 30 years ago this apps sole purpose is to get you away from the sofa (and TV) and get you running 5k within 9 weeks. Built upon a simple step-by-step programme which gently guides total beginners from walking to gliding through the local park. Users can also choose from four personal coaches who will hopefully help you transform from a decaying couch potato in to a fresh runner bean.

Strava Running & Cycling App by Strava Inc

Compatibility: Android, iOS.

This is not just a running and cycling tracker, this app brings an intriguing element of competition. The Strava app helps record distanced travelled, time/course taken, including speed and turns it into leader boards, achievements and challenges. Which allow you to not only track what you’re doing but also let you see what other users are achieving over the same section of your personal running course. Strava also supports varied running trackers, as well as Android wear.

Endomondo Sports Tracker

Compatibility : Android, iOS, Windows Phone

This fitness app allows you to record and track progress in just about any distance-based sporting activity. Endomondo Sports Tracker tracks calories burned as well as the standard duration and distance, which are displayed on a helpful map. You can use this app to schedule targets and exercises, complete with feedback from an audio coach. The recently added social dimension also allows you to post workouts, compare progress, and receive helpful feedback.

Runtastic

Compatibility : Android, iOS, Windows Phone

Runtastic uses GPS to track and map your exercise distances, using metrics such as time, speed, distance and plotting your route. Your routes can be viewed in a Google earth style map and there is also a configurable dashboard, which includes detailed graphs of your workout information and progress which can be easily shared over social networks for the fitness braggers out there.

Runkeeper

Compatibility: Android, iOS

Runkeeper is another app that uses your phone’s GPS to track your running, cycling, hiking and other distance activities. The app records your pace, distance, total exercise time, calories burned and other useful metrics, while also allowing you to take and tag pictures on the go. You can measure your progress and workout history, as well as synch with numerous other apps and services and receive detailed reports of your tracked activity.

Run with Map my Run+

Compatibility : Android, iOS

MapMyRun+ supports 600 different types of workouts and uses GPS to accurately track the important data from your run. Including distance, elevation, pace and route are all actively monitored, while external devices can also feed information to the app. Like a lot of the other apps out there you will have to plump for the premium membership to get extras like audio coaching and personal training plans.