With running apps, it’s like with runners themselves: there are more and more of them! That’s good because Vikings like to have choices. So, how do you navigate them, and most importantly – which running apps do we think are the best for beginners and advanced runners alike? Let’s sprint to reading! 🏃
At your own pace, but always smart
We run for health, pleasure, relaxation, or to lose some extra pounds. Regardless of the reason, it’s worth exercising smartly. You can run with a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a smartband. For this, you’ll need fast mobile internet from Mobile Vikings, which also runs smoothly! But let’s get to the point – what benefits do running apps offer?
Catch the bug for fitness
Running apps don’t just track distance, running time, and average heart rate. Some of them offer training plans that vary in difficulty. Thanks to them, you can check if you’re covering longer distances, running faster, more efficiently, and smarter (e.g., if you’re maintaining a steady pace). These training statistics are particularly helpful if you want to build better shape and an athletic physique à la Thor ⚡. There are also apps that allow you to plan your running route.
Free and for everyone
Let’s be honest: there’s no single definitive answer to the question, “Which running app is the best?” After all, amateurs have different requirements than advanced runners, and professionals have yet another set. People in each of these groups will focus on different aspects and features.
In our ranking, we focused on apps that we believe should meet the expectations of any runner (regardless of their skill level). We took into account important factors – the apps are free (at least in their basic version) and are available for both Android and iOS. You’re welcome, Viking! After all, #ForOurOwnEverything 🤘.
What to use instead of Endomondo, i.e., our TOP running apps
We named our ranking this way for a reason. The Endomondo app disappeared permanently at the end of 2020. It was the most popular running app in Poland and, in the opinion of many, simply the best. But chin up, Viking! There are no irreplaceable things (except perhaps for one mobile operator with horns 😉). Ahead of you are apps just as great as the famous Endomondo. Judge for yourself which one is best and meets your expectations.
Bieg. Zacznij biegać (Run. Start Running) – a running app in Polish
First on our list is a very simple and intuitive app, Bieg. Zacznij biegać. It has everything any runner needs: it tracks the distance covered (using GPS), provides time, step count, and calories burned. And listen up: it’s in Polish! What further sets it apart from the competition are special training plans and 4 running levels. These multi-week plans will improve the fitness and shape of any runner.
Strava – a social running app
This is one of the most popular apps for runners. Its key feature is its social aspect. Strava users can track their progress and results, compare them, comment, and even break records for a given route or share photos.
Competing with another Viking can be a great motivation to get moving (your legs, what else?) and train regularly. What else does this app offer? For example, the ability to set goals or have your route tracked in real-time by your loved ones who don’t have the app. In short: safety and convenience in one!
Adidas Running by Runtastic – a running app with the Powersong feature
Intuitive operation and no lag – these are the main advantages of this functional app for runners. Besides the "obvious obvious," like measuring pace or distance covered, Adidas Running by Runtastic provides voice feedback on training progress (like Endomondo) and also has a unique feature – Powersong. It allows you to… match music to your running pace. You feel that, Viking 🤯?
Sports Tracker – a running app with automatic pause
It stands out because it offers 100% of its features for free (!) and isn’t pushy with ads. The Sports Tracker app motivates with voice prompts, and thanks to the Heatmaps feature, it provides access to various interesting routes in your area. And now, a big wow 😮 – it has an automatic pause that activates as soon as you stop running (or move at a speed below 2 or 5 km/h).
BONUS at the end: Zombies, Run! – a non-standard running app
Vikings like to discover new lands and think outside the box. For all seekers of new experiences who can’t stand boredom, we have an app that simulates an adventure… in a post-apocalyptic world 🧟. It’s a terri-bly fun workout! You run, listening to radio transmissions, fleeing from hordes of zombies, and collecting supplies for the survivors. Like other running apps, it measures distance, time, and average speed, but no standard app will make you feel like a game hero. But Zombies, Run! will. We present this app as a bonus because, beware – it’s unfortunately not available on iPhone (iOS is out 🤷♂️), and for that reason alone, it doesn’t meet the criteria of our ranking.
There are other ways
We’ve prepared a list of 4 running apps (+ 1 bonus) that we’ve tested and can wholeheartedly recommend. It’s best to download them all and decide which one is right for you. This can be an additional motivation for training. One day you run with this app, the next day with another. And by Odin – you’re moving, and that’s what matters most! The sea of possibilities to make training enjoyable is vast. For example, there are running apps that connect with smartbands (like the Zepp Life app, formerly Mi Fit, with the Mi Band). But that’s another story, for another time, which we will – undoubtedly – discuss in the future.
So, what are you waiting for, Viking? Enough theory, hit the road for training 🤘!
