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Best Apple Watch Apps For Running

November 5, 2022

Running is one of the most popular forms of physical activity. Thanks to it, you can strengthen muscle, build strong bones, and maintain a healthy weight. It’s very simple to start running since you only need a pair of shoes and some motivation. However, mastering this skill has its challenges. That’s why it’s beneficial to equip yourself with an Apple Watch to track and monitor your runs.

With the use of running apps, you can track your heart rate during your runs, create suitable training plans, and choose the best routes according to your goals. These five best apps will take your running results to the next level. 

Nike Run Club: Running Coach

Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club: Running Coach Nike Run Club

Over the years, Nike has become a symbol of running. That’s why the company put a great effort into creating the running app that will bring you closer to other runners, work as your personal coach, and serve you as a training diary.

No matter how advanced you are, it’s almost impossible to achieve your goals without a proper plan. So whether you want to run your first 5k or a marathon, there are plenty of training plans created by experienced trainers to help you get closer to your objectives, eliminating the risk of injury. 

To stay motivated, you can use guided runs, where coaches and running legends will cheer you on. There are also plenty of fun challenges you can share with friends and family, as well as global ones which serve higher purposes. Thanks to being a part of this amazing community, you will never feel alone running for your goals. Plus, the app is completely free of charge!

Free
Nike Run Club: Running Coach
Nike Run Club: Running Coach
Nike, Inc
Strava: Run, Ride, Hike

Strava

Strava: Run, Ride, Hike Strava

Strava is one of the most popular fitness apps available on the Apple Watch. Although you can use it to monitor a large number of various sports, it is especially useful for runners.

The app allows you to record your runs without carrying your iPhone. And, it even shows you your current time, average pace, total distance, and heart rate. Knowing these measurements is crucial to draw conclusions that will help you achieve your goals.

Strava has a huge community of over 50 million users from all over the world. By joining it, you can share your results with others, take up sports challenges, or discover the best running routes. Most of the app’s features are free, but you can upgrade it to a premium version by paying $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

Free
Strava: Run, Ride, Hike
Strava: Run, Ride, Hike
Strava Inc.
Runkeeper—Distance Run Tracker

Runkeeper

Runkeeper—Distance Run Tracker Runkeeper

The most efficient way to reach your running goals is by setting measurable objectives and tracking the progress. The Runkeeper app was created by ASICS to help you with that, whether you are a professional runner or just starting your running journey.

If you have difficulties staying motivated, the app has a few perfect solutions. First, you can use guided workouts created by coaches that will push you to finish your training. You can also join plenty of in-app challenges and virtual running groups to feel supported by other runners.

Runkeeper allows you to leave the phone at home when you go running, thanks to the Apple Watch integration. You can connect wireless headphones via Bluetooth to hear chosen statistics such as pace, distance, or time during your runs and heart-rate monitors to get a deeper insight into monitoring your heart.

Free
Runkeeper—Distance Run Tracker
Runkeeper—Distance Run Tracker
RunKeeper, LLC
Map My Run by Under Armour

Map My Run

Map My Run by Under Armour Map My Run

Map My Run is an app created by Under Armor which is another leader in the world of professional sports. It comes with plenty of great features and advanced tools that will help you stay on track and reach your running goals regardless of your level.

To make your workouts as efficient as possible, use the real-time audio coaching guides that share the stats of your pace, distance, or elevation. Choose the routes close to your place, save your favorite ones, and share them with others. Plus, pick the training plan specifically designed for your needs and use coaching tips to make running as easy and enjoyable as possible.

The app is free to use, but by paying $5.99 per month or $29.99 per year, you get MVP premium features. They allow you to use live tracking to share your running locations, get more personalized training plans, or monitor and analyze heart rate zones.

Free
Map My Run by Under Armour
Map My Run by Under Armour
Under Armour, Inc.
adidas Training by Runtastic

Runtastic

adidas Training by Runtastic Runtastic

Adidas, one of the giants of the running world, created a running app called Runtastic — which will take your runs to the next level.

When you are ready to go for a run, just press start on your Apple Watch, and the app will start tracking your performance. With every mile, the watch will vibrate and inform you about your pace. On the screen, you will see your heart rate, distance, and duration of the run. After you finish the workout, you get insight into more detailed statistics, such as burned calories.

Integrate the app with your Apple Watch, and leave your iPhone at home when you go for a run. Plus, join the enormous community of runners to get inspired and find new running friends from all around the world. You can also upgrade the app to the premium version if you pay $9.99 per month or $49.99 per year.

Free
adidas Training by Runtastic
adidas Training by Runtastic
runtastic GmbH

Eat, Sleep, Run, Repeat

Eat, Sleep, Run, Repeat

Running offers a number of benefits including stress relief, building overall strength, and even weight loss. Just put your shoes on, go out, and run according to your level of advancement. However, if you want to take this activity more seriously, use the Apple Watch to get detailed insights into your heart rate, pace, or distance. With this device and a running app, you will achieve your running goals in no time! 

Comment below which running app you find the most useful, and as always, please share!