What’s the best running time/distance app?

Hello all. I have iPhone and I’m doing the BBC Inspired couch to 5k app. I don’t have a smart watch. I’ve been checking my distance using the standard Apple health app, but I’ve noticed an anomaly....

I run first thing in the morning before anything else, first time the app said I did 1.6 miles, second time it said 1.3 miles. Which was bizarre as it was exactly the same route!!!!

Is the apple health app nonsense? Is there a better distance running app I can use but still be compatible for me to use the couch to 5k app at the same time to motivate and instruct me?

Your thoughts on free apps would be great.

Cheers all.

[Stellie]

I use Map my run.....and just start it at the same time as couch to 5k. Even tho I'm not running at the minute. I use it for my walks.

[Hidden in reply to Stellie]

Top Tip 👍 thanks Stellie, I’ll give it a go!

[Ripcurlrana71]

I use Strava. Has worked fine so far!

[sallenson Graduate]

Mixed feedback on MapMyRun on here. GPS is a bit flaky. Strava is the other obvious option and that seems more dependable. Ive got an HRM which feeds Strava so im happy wirh it

[Chrisj31 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

May I ask what HRM you use? or would recommend?

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Chrisj31]

I've had Garmins in the past and the quality and support has been patchy to awful. On a Polar M400 now and really like it. Plenty of bells and whistles and easy to use. Nice web front end too. I wouldn't hesitate to get another one

[Chrisj31 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Nice. Do you have the H7 heart rate sensor alo?

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Chrisj31]

No idea. Came as a package. Bluetooth enabled but the normal strap round your chest. Always cold when it goes on which is invigorating 😊

[Chrisj31 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

hmmm i might have to purchase one!

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Chrisj31]

Worth it just for the frisson of excitement really 😂

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Chrisj31]

Two things you shd know about the M400 (now upgraded to M430 but effectively same unit) that don't really bother me, but might bother you: it has a alert on it which buzzes if you've reached a distance or Heart Rate and other variable. But it's very quiet, even on a loud setting. Not an issue for me since I'm plugged into earphones mostly anyway. Other thing is that the Polar Flow app (which is the online tool it integrates with) doesn't allow you to create routes. You could create routes with Strava and have it linked to Polar Flow but that's a bit messy. Again, I'm happy to create routes in another app and just use the M400 to track me. GPS is good, no problems there. If you really want route creation, then you can do that with Garmins, but I've had endless grief with their software.

Apologies that this is incredibly dull.

I have just done my core/leg strength session tho. There's some bloke called Chris who's getting all competitive on my ass. I'll show him!!

[Chrisj31 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

hahahaha

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

What’s a HRM? Apologies if it’s an obvious question. New to this fitness malarkey.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Heart Rate Monitor. Completely and utterly unnecessary but boys do like their gadgets 😁

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

Frantically googling and amazoning HRM’s. no idea such a thing existed 😁

[Chrisj31 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

[Hidden in reply to sallenson]

👍

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

I use an app called my wellness. It can be used to input gym data mostly but also has an outdoor runs section. I’ve also only used it for walking but seems reliable. I don’t think it has as much data as specific running apps. Has mixed reviews on App Store but it’s worked for me so far.

[SandieF Graduate]

If you have an iPhone could you stretch to the Apple Watch? Had mine over a year now and love it

[Hidden in reply to SandieF]

Ahhh it’s on the wish list! 😉

[Rignold]

The accuracy issue is not down to the app, it’s down to the GPS which is a hardware issue.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Never had an issue with MapMyFitness 👍🏽 I like setting voice back prompts on pace on it too so I can keep more control of my run.

[Sillybilly1 Graduate]

Strava for me, +I watch, never had any problems so far, and I do like that you can see your hr on your run when you get home!!

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Strava is the one I use! It seems very consistent to me 😊 has made my last 3 plods almost identical 🐌🐌

[naedoot]

Strava here, tried mapmyrun wasn’t happy with it. I have used garmins and Apple Watch like both. In regards to HRM I got one from garmin to allow me to keep an eye on my heart rate post heart attack. It’s now lying in a drawer in house as I use the wrist based on my watch.

[Hidden]

I use map my run and haven’t had any problems at all