The Best Training Apps for Running Your Next Race

Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge. Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.

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She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family. Practical considerations also played a role in our evaluation. We looked at cost, whether content can be downloaded for offline use, and how frequently new classes or programs are added. These factors help ensure that apps remain flexible, up to date, and convenient for users with busy schedules. By combining expert analysis with real-world feedback, we identified platforms that are both enjoyable and effective for achieving fitness goals.

The 8 best running apps in 2023 for beginners, as tested by a health editor

If you are only going to download one running app, let it be Strava. Providing both function and social connection, Strava is like homebase for runners. At its core, Strava is a hub where you can track or upload runs and analyze your training.

What is the best workout app?

We all weigh up running on a treadmill vs outside at one time or another, so it’s important to have an app specifically designed for this in your back pocket. Much like Runna and Zen Labs 10k, there are multiple plans on offer but these are all designed for the treadmill. This means you have notes on miles per hour or kilometers per hour (depending on your preference) and an indicator for incline as well. While this app truly covers all the bases, it is only suitable for running.

Recovery Runs

Some apps offer cardio sessions that can be done on any equipment, while others, like Peloton, connect with their own machines to provide more detailed metrics and insights. If you prefer workouts that require little to no equipment, make sure the app you choose is designed with that in mind. No reason you have to be if you have a personal trainer app like Aaptiv. Aaptiv is packed with audio workouts led by uber-perky trainers who motivate you at all levels, beginner to advanced, to run, bike or hit the elliptical machine. Against a backdrop of pop or hip-hop hits, you’ll be talked through high-energy interval workouts—all the better to shift that belly fat—from warmup to cooldown. There are also outdoor running workouts, as well as weight training, yoga, and training programs for running race distances such as 5K, 10K and marathons.

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It also connects you to friends on the app who can cheer you on or comment on your posts that get uploaded to your Strava feed after your workout. If you prefer to keep your data and running routes private, you can also make those changes through your settings via the app. One of the newer safety features on the Strava app is called the Beacon, which lets you share your location in real time with an emergency contact.

Nutrition & Health

Each training pace is designed to help you improve your fitness. Learn more about the purpose and how to train at each pace. You can also learn the Equivalent Race Performances of the entered race result to help set goals or compare the scores of results at different distances. PUMATRAC is a GPS running app owned by Puma that allows you to track your runs. You can sync the app with your Apple or Spotify playlists for your favorite tunes on the run. Many apps are free, but with a subscription, they unlock more features.

• Some may have paid options for customized training features, but all of these running apps can be downloaded and used in their basic form without paying anything.
• The work outs are very challenging but do not be intimidated by them.
• After each session, your metrics automatically flow back into TrainingPeaks, connecting you, your data, and your coach in the ways that matter most.
• Strong is simpler and more powerful than a notebook, and designed to stay out of your way.Plan your training and track your progress.
• “You pick a coach based on your goals and preferences, and each day’s workout—including rest—is programmed for you.
• Truthfully, unless you are really focused on improving your running form, some of this information won’t mean much.

If you’re looking to incorporate a bit of cross-training in your workout plan then another app, such as WithU, could be a better option as there’s a larger variety of audio-led workouts available. Downloading one of the best running apps is a great way for beginners to ease into the activity. With classics like Couch to 5k and Nike Run Club on our list alongside newer platforms, you’re sure to find everything you need to get started. The Ladder app is built specifically for progressive strength training, with in-ear coaching, video demonstrations and precise pacing built-in. Ladder features some of the best strength coaches in the world, each offering unique coaching and training styles.

RunGap reads any data that you ask it to and can upload it to the app of your choice. RunGap would read the Apple Watch workout and I would send it to Final Surge. It’s a great workaround when technology just doesn’t seem to cooperate. Now you have access to various workout programs that can be done at home or in the gym, such as yoga, strength and Pilates, all taught by different women personal trainers. The app also offers meal plan options if you’re looking for healthy recipe ideas. There is also a premium plan that adds features such as live tracking and customized training plans.

Strava: Run, Bike, Walk

To keep you on track, you can view personalized metrics on screen. Finding the proper running apps to boost your fitness routine can be challenging. This blog will explore top options for both beginners and advanced runners.

The plan is tailored to you and your goals.

I did find tracking a run spontaneously to be the easiest way to use the app, as you can just press ‘Start Workout’ on the primary screen and the GPS tracking kicks in. Importantly, this app is super simple to use with a colorful interface and self-explanatory tabs. While you might find yourself lost occasionally in apps like INCUS and Strava, I found madmuscles vs centr Runna so easy to navigate. Plus, you can sign up for workout reminders to keep you on track without even having to think about it. You can become my virtual training partner by using the free schedules here on this site, or you can sign up for the interactive version of all my programs, available through TrainingPeaks.

Long Runs

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program. Accidents, medical emergencies, and other safety issues can strike when you least expect them. Road ID helps you be prepared for these possibilities by keeping you connected to loved ones while you run. Astrologer Kirsty Gallagher explores key astrological transits and themes, meditations, practices and crystals to help navigate the weeks ahead.