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The best running apps to keep you motivated

8.11.2016

Translation: machine translated

If you search for the term "Running" on the AppleStore or Google Play, the range of applications is almost endless. The apps record your training data, create personalised training plans, should motivate you, compare your performance with that of your friends and so on. But which apps are really worth the diversions?

I've done some research and also asked around the marketing and sports teams to find out which apps our runners are using. I present the top 5 below. Plus, you'll learn which wearables can be synced with which app.

1. Runtastic

The Runtastic app records activities like jogging, running, hiking or cycling via a GPS sensor and delivers you interesting stats about distance, speed, elevation gain, calories burned and more. You can create a sort of community with your friends, share your performances with them and always have an overview of their training statistics. The ranking based on your performance motivates you to want more. Another advantage: the Runtastic app is compatible with most trackers, sports watches and smartwatches, so you can always sync your data between wearable and app. With the Orbit Runtastic has even developed a high-performance tracker.

The standard version of the app is free on iTunes, Google Play and Windows Phone. The pro version, with fitness report and three-day weather forecast on top, costs CHF 4.99. [[productlist:2754699]]

2. Strava

Strava is very popular among cyclists and mountain bikers, but the app is also suitable for running! Via your smartphone's GPS, it records speed, distance covered, times and calories burned, and gives you the chance to compare your run with those of your friends. Strava helps you to always find new running routes that are also enjoyed by other runners.

Strava has teamed up with fitbit so that the app can be synced and exchange information with wearables like the fitbit Charge 2, Surge or Blaze for example. Meanwhile, other models such as the Sony SmartWatch 3 or several sports watches from von Suunto, TomTom, Garmin and Polar - the Garmin Vivoactive HR or Polar M400, for example - are compatible with the app (learn more here)

The basic version of Strava is also free on iTunes and Google Play. Premium features such as personal heart rate analysis or personal analysis of power and pace zones can be purchased separately. [[productlist:5686548,3230671]]

3. Garmin Connect

Garmin Connect is certainly the first choice for any runner with a Garmin wearable (e.g. Forerunner 235, Forerunner 630 or Vivosmart HR+). But the app is also suitable for anyone who goes running without a Garmin sports watch or tracker.
The app is particularly useful for creating running circuits, training plans and personalised running diaries. What's more, the app records your weight and tracks your goals.

However, when it comes to recording and synchronising data, the app is only compatible with Garmin devices. You also have the option of recording your outings via iSmoothRun and transferring the data to Garmin Connect.

The app is free and available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone. [[productlist:5776916,5636933]]

4. Nike+ Run Club

In the Nike app, motivation and coaching are paramount! Personalised training plans are based on your current fitness level and goals, and adapt to your progress. You can easily share your performances with your friends, measure yourself against the community and let Nike athletes like Kevin Hart, Mo Farah and Allyson Felix motivate you. What's more, the application records your outings via GPS and provides you with the most important information: pace, location, distance, elevation gain, heart rate and split time. Another advantage: personalised Nike+ Club playlists motivate you even more!

There is a special version of the Nike+ Run Club app for the Apple Watch. The normal app is only compatible with a few devices such as the Wahoo Tickr X or the TomTom Spark.

You can download it for free.

You can download the app for free from iTunes or Google Play. [[productlist:5622600]]

5. Spotify Running

The free Spotify Running app doesn't record data or create a training plan. It delivers just one thing: motivation through music! The app creates endless mixes of your favourite music: each track goes with your pace to keep you on a dynamic and motivated run. Depending on your mood, you can always choose between different styles of music - hip-hop, electro, pop, classical and many others are all at your disposal.

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Theresa Schieder

Leader Portfolio Development Do-It, Garden & Household

Theresa.Schieder@digitecgalaxus.ch

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