Can someone advise me on running apps?

[Moomin63]

Are there any free running apps that can measure my distance and speed while I’m using the couch25k? Or do I need a Garmin/other watch?

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

There are loads of free apps which will track your distance and speed. I'm probably in a very small minority in that I don't use Strava and neither do I use a running watch. I run with my phone and use Sportractive tracking app, It really depends what data you want and what you want to do with it. The watches will provide you with plenty of stats if that's your thing, and lots of the apps will let you share your runs to facebook etc. Personally I just want to know how far I've run and how long it took. Take a look at what's out there, download one that takes your fancy, and don't pay it too much attention. At this stage the only thing that really matters is following the C25K programme. Good Luck🙂

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Archerygoddess]

Thankyou. I’m pretty much the same, I really only want to know how far and how long. I did look at a couple of apps but they give you a free trial for short period and then you have to pay a fee and I don’t want to get into that. You’re right the C25k is the important thing at the moment but i was thinking it would be useful for after I graduated. I will have a little search around. Cheers!😊

[girlsjustwannarun Graduate]

I’ve been using Nike Run Club since I graduated and it’s really good! I have a watch so I don’t know if that gives me any extra data but it tells you time, distance, pace, elevation gain, heart rate (that definitely comes from my watch) and cadence. You can also see where you went on a map. I really like it!

[Peachy40 in reply to girlsjustwannarun]

I use the app that comes with my phone, so check whether you have something similar (if you haven't already). Otherwise Strava and Nike Run Club are the other apps I've used in the past. They are free to use.

[Jillybean0141 Graduate]

I use Runkeeper. It's free and works on GPS so gives you a handy map of your route afterwards, time, distance etc and you can set a prompt for 15 mins, 30 mins or whatever time (or distance) you want to run.

[WillsMum68 Graduate]

I use Strava and also Map my Run at the same time - I like this one as it talks to you. It tells you how far you have run and what your speeds are. Really motivating!

[Raspberrycheesecake Graduate]

I use the free strava, you can set it up so that it tells you how far you’ve ran and time over your music if that’s playing, so no need to physically look at your phone.

[Grannyasbo Graduate in reply to Raspberrycheesecake]

Hi. Please can you tell me how to set up Strava to tell you time and distance over your music. I’ve looked and looked but can’t find it. Thanks so much. 😀

[Raspberrycheesecake Graduate in reply to Grannyasbo]

Yes, it’s in a odd place, press record, the top left of the screen is settings, it’s in there under audio

[Grannyasbo Graduate in reply to Raspberrycheesecake]

Thank you v much. So easy when you know how. Wish they would issue how to use guides with these apps. Happy running 😀

[Ian5K Graduate in reply to Raspberrycheesecake]

That’s interesting, I will give it a try next run.

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Raspberrycheesecake]

Fab thanks!😊

[Glasgowgirl4]

Strava?

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Glasgowgirl4]

Thanks! 😊

[SmilelikeImeanIt Graduate]

Nike Run Club app is very good as it you set it for distance or time - whichever you prefer. It will map your run for you and give you split times per km. Very easy to use and set up and all free.

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to SmilelikeImeanIt]

Great! Thanks😊

[MacTavish1976 Graduate]

If you've got a Samsung phone then their Health App/Widget is brilliant. It is pretty accurate against my Garmin watch too. The woman on that calls out all the info you need every kilometre of your run.

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to MacTavish1976]

Thanks for the tip!

[BusyStruggling Graduate]

I use Map my Run for iPhone, it's free (although there is also a premium tier) & it works pretty well. It tells you your time/distance/pace periodically over the top of your music. The only issue I've had is from time to time the C25K app pauses which it never did when I didn't have another app running. All I do then is use Map My Run for the time and fast forward the C25K when time is up.

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to BusyStruggling]

Thankyou!

[COLINDBAGGIE Graduate]

I use "step tracker" it measures your distance also how many calories you burn up, also your time and pace.

It's a free one, I'm sure it's the NHS one.

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to COLINDBAGGIE]

Sounds good thanks 😊

[MrsSchnauzerSmith Graduate]

I tried a few but stuck with Mapmyrun as it syncs to my music so they start at the same time. I use a normal watch to check time.

I liked Endomondo as it gives you little trophies when you do a new PB (how shallow am I!!).

But Mapmyrun feeds Endomondo (both by UA) so I get the trophies anyway....

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to MrsSchnauzerSmith]

That sounds fun! Thanks for the tip!

[Crystal_snowflake]

I like MapMyRun too. Tells you every so often how far etc (you can set it to suit) and has basic stats afterwards and saves runs

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Crystal_snowflake]

Great this seems to be a popular one! Cheers 😊

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Nike Run Club app is great and it’s free, lots of guided runs of various times and distances 👍

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thanks 😊

[Rosieg87 Graduate]

Map My Run for me. I turned off the pace voice feedback and just have the distance and total time I’ve been out. Found less pressure of the feedback helped me to improve my pace naturally

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Rosieg87]

Great thanks!

[Crolla]

I use Runmaker on my iphone. I do also have a fitbit but it's not very reliable and the Health app on my phone doesn't measure accurately since an update, but Runmaker is free and accurate.

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to Crolla]

Thanks v much 😊