Are you interested in beginning a running program? Do you have goals related to running or improving your cardiovascular fitness? With the warmer weather finally here, now is a great time to accomplish those goals and get started! BUT… where do you start? With so much information at our fingertips, beginning a running program can be overwhelming. Today we share our Top 5 Running Apps to help you stay on track.
Where are my beginners at? Before, we get in to talking about apps and what each has to offer, I want you to go back to our blog last week and review the 5 Useful Running Tips for Beginners
.
Ok, now that you were able to review those tips… Let’s talk more about some great resources that you can use when beginning a running program.
The first app on our list is:
1. Map My Run
Map My Run is an app made by Under Armour. The free features on this app are great and allow you to track various features. This app certainly holds up to it’s name it that it will map the route of your run. It also tracks you distance, pace, calorie burn and believe it or not, elevation. The great thing about this app, like many others, it pairs nicely with your smart devices (fitbit, apple watch, etc). There are other great features on this app that you can
purchase as well if you are looking for a little bit more.
2. Strava
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, the Strava app is a fun and interactive app that is not only great for runner but also cyclists. Strava means “strive”, an encouraging title to say the least. This app prides itself on creating a community for it’s athletes where everyone can work together to meet their goals. This app has al the analytics you need to track your progress. The nice thing about this app is that it is a one stop shop for tracking other activity such as swimming, rock climbing, and even crossfit.
3. C25K (Couch to 5k)
This is one of my favorite free apps available. C25K is a progressive app that starts you with walk and run intervals until you build up to running a 5k. This is a great app for beginners or individuals ready to get back in to a running routine. This app give you a set weekly goal and training program of 3 times per week with rest days in between. Each routine is 30-40 minutes long which is more than doable for any lifestyle. Oh, and did I mention you can link your favorite music playlist to this app!!
4. RaceRunner
Do you have a bit of a competitive streak?? The RaceRunner app, might just be the right fit for you! This app is super fun in that it allows you to participate in virtual races with others. Get creative in making your own races or participate in other races around the world. If competing is your thing, give this app a try!
5. Runtastic
Runtastic made our list of the top free running apps because of the exercise diary. Like the other apps above, Runtastic uses GPS mapping to track your route in real-time and keeps all your metrics available so that you can see your progress. Another great feature of this app is its multiple training programs that you can follow for a more scheduled plan. There are so many available resources when it comes to fitness. Finding an app that is right for you, might take some trial and error. The bottom line is that you have resources to help you on your journey and keep you on track towards reaching your goals.
Consider some of these apps when you are training for our upcoming Chaos Family 5k Walk/Run that is being held on Saturday, October 13th, 2018. Make it your next goal to participate in this exciting event that support our deployed military troops.
Do you use any of these running apps or have other great apps you like to use for your fitness
routines? Be sure to comment with your experiences.
Jackie Giese, LPTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapy Consultants, Inc.
PTC_therapy May 2nd, 2018
Posted In: General
Tags: 5k run, running apps
