More Than Just Data
The Best Workout Apps for Runners give you more than just data.
Many classic trail races have been cancelled in the wake of Covid-19. Without having goals and deadlines set for upcoming events, it can be hard to stay motivated. Recording your runs digitally and racing against your best times is a great way to stay on track.
No matter what your own personal running goals entail, recording your trail runs is a great way to keep yourself on track, connect to a community of like-minded individuals and maybe even find some new trails by exploring the routes and data of other runners. Whether you decide to track your data and analyze your progress through a phone app or add a greater element of storytelling and visual impact by recording video of your trails runs, there are several options for tracking and sharing your runs that can enhance your overall experience as you train.
Activity trackers and running apps can help to empower you and build confidence as you work toward your goals. They’re also great tools for keeping you motivated and helping you to develop and maintain a routine that best suits your life. Whether you’re training for an ultramarathon or just getting started on your running journey, it can be incredibly helpful to track and analyse your personal data to keep you accountable and continually pursuing your own personal goals.
There are many different apps available for recording and analyzing your run data, so how do you know which option to choose?
Best Phone Apps for Tracking Your Runs
Boasting very high ratings and ranked as editor’s choice in both iOS and Android app stores, Strava is a sophisticated and popular app for tracking your trail runs, as well as a wide range of other sports and fitness activities. A favourite among a broad demographic of runners, this option is suitable for total beginners, elite athletes and all levels in between. Strava has an impressive social component to keep you connected to your community; you can form clubs to organize activities and find motivation and support in your friends and followers as you record your runs and workouts to your personal feed. Strava is compatible with a wide range of GPS devices and enables you to track and monitor your performance with easy-to-use features and data analysis tools so you can truly get the most out of your runs. Another great (premium) feature of this run tracking app is Beacon, a function that allows you to share your location in real-time with anyone you trust to have your back in case of an emergency.
With many helpful functions included in the free offering of this app, you can access more tools and features in Summit, the premium version of Strava (which you can check out with a 30-day free trial and will cost you about $9 CAD on a monthly subscription thereafter) with more comprehensive analytics, personalized plans and coaching, and access to popular brands’ clubs and product discounts.
With a community of 50 million runners, Runkeeper is a user-friendly app that enables you to track your progress with a variety of features to help you stay motivated in pursuing your running goals. This ASICS app uses your phone’s GPS to track your distance, pace, time, cadence, elevation and calories burned, and also allows you to track other workouts like walking, hiking and biking. Whether you’re training for a big race or brand new to running, Runkeeper can help you set and track your personal running goals. You can easily sync the app with your Apple Watch if you’d like to leave your phone at home, and it also offers integration with several other activity tracking devices like Fitbit and Garmin. With virtual training groups, in-app challenges, activity rewards and goal-setting options, Runkeeper is a favourite among all levels of runners.
There’s a free version available for iOS and Android devices, as well as a premium option (about $57 CAD annually or $14 per month) that offers prescribed workouts and personalized training plans, live tracking and more detailed insights to your progress.
Created by Under Armour, the Map My Run app is a popular choice for tracking trail runs. This app enables you to log your progress and connects with a number of fitness apps and wearables; you can track runs directly from your Apple Watch and receive visual and audio updates in real-time. A highly-rated and popular option, Map My Run is a great tool for finding inspiration through a community of running enthusiasts and athletes sharing their own goals and achievements, and also allows you to create challenges for you and your friends. This app enables you to discover new routes wherever you are and receive personal training tips along the way. With clear and concise graphs and charts organizing various performance metrics, Map My Run offers personal analytics to keep you focused on pursuing and conquering your goals. This app also offers a free version as well as an MVP membership (at $42.25 CAD annually or $8.50 per month) that unlocks premium features and eliminates ads.
These are just a few of the best apps for tracking your trail runs on your phone, but there are many other options that provide a comprehensive snapshot of your activity data, including Nike Run Club, Runtastic by Adidas, and Peloton.
Other Options for Recording Your Trail Runs
Phone apps are not the only option for recording your trail runs; using a GoPro (or any other portable video recording device that you prefer) can be a fun and engaging way to share your runs with friends and followers on social media. Dean Leslie of Salomon TV shares some valuable tips for recording and editing video of trail runs. If you’re taking this route, remember to go in with a plan and have a general sense of the structure of your video, but have fun and get creative to keep things light and interesting.
Whether you’re hoping to gain a better understanding of your performance and accelerate your progress, connect to a community of runners and stay social while keeping a physical distance, or explore new trails by following the data and recommendations of others, recording and sharing your trail runs is a great way to enhance your experience and stay focused on your personal running goals.
Not sure where to start in setting achievable goals? My online trail running courses come with comprehensive training schedules, weekly tips and helpful reminders.