The 8 Best Apple Watch Apps for Runners

The 8 Best Apple Watch Apps for Runners.

Running is one of the most accessible and effective forms of exercise available to the average person. It’s easy to start running but hard to master. The right app can help you with this, especially if you wear the app on your wrist, like with your Apple Watch.

Running apps can help you track your heart rate, workout plans, and some (like Strava) can even track and suggest your route. The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches for runners, and it also has many of the best apps. These are the best apps for Apple Watch.

8 Best Apple Watch Apps for Runners

If you want to improve your run time and better track your fitness, start with the best apps for Apple Watch.

1. Strava

Strava is one of the first apps for runners. It tracks statistics such as distance traveled, speed, calories burned, and more. Strava also connects you to one of the best mapping networks available. You can enter your route or search for routes suggested by other runners in your area. Best of all, Strava is completely free with optional in-app purchases.

2. Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club tracks your running metrics like many other apps, but it does more than just track your run data. It can provide you with guided runs of all types, from easy runs for beginners to 10K workouts for advanced athletes. The Run Club app also has weekly and monthly competitions and leaderboards that you can enter to challenge yourself.

3. Runtastic

Runtastic is Adidas’ version of the Nike Run Club. It has built-in GPS, metrics tracking, scoreboards and more. You can participate in virtual races to compete against other players around the world, but perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Runtastic is its compatibility with many other apps. It works with other running and fitness apps to sync all your data without having to track it separately between services.

4. WorkOutDoors

WorkOutDoors is one of the best Apple Watch apps not for tracking metrics, but for vector display. It is one of the most customizable running apps with over 300 metrics and charts to choose from. You can store maps on your Apple Watch for quick access when you don’t have a signal or don’t have access to your iPhone.

5. Runkeeper

Any successful runner will tell you that routine is the key. You develop endurance and step and become a better athlete. Runkeeper provides reminders to stick with it. In-app challenges and rewards show how much you’ve improved over time.

Another notable feature of Runkeeper is the sound it plays while running. Every runner knows that a great soundtrack can keep you moving when your energy is low. Runkeeper works with Apple Music and Spotify to give you access to all your favorite tunes and podcasts.

6. Couch to 5K

Have you ever wanted to run a 5K but can’t imagine being able to run that much? Couch to 5K is an app designed from the ground up to provide you with a training program that will get you ready for a marathon in just nine weeks. It provides you with a daily routine and a trainer who will talk to you throughout your workout.

Couch to 5K extends battery life by sending sound notifications when the screen is locked or another app is in use. No access to the treadmill from outside? Couch to 5K also works with treadmills.

7. iSmoothRun

iSmoothRun lets you set up sound notifications when certain thresholds are reached, such as when your heart rate goes over a certain level or when you reach a certain number of steps. It also works with third-party smart sensors if you want to take your workouts to the next level. You can also set up ghost runs against your previous times if you want to compete against yourself.

8. Map My Run

Map My Run is one of the most popular fitness trackers and running apps. It receives real-time data from Apple Watch and connects to MyFitnessPal and other apps to keep track of your information. If you ever ditch your Apple Watch, Map My Run will also work with other wearables like Garmin and Fitbit.

What to Look For In a Running App

Running is an easy exercise to start, but difficult to master, especially if you have a poor form that leads to injury. So when you’re looking for Apple’s dedicated workout app on the App Store, it’s good to know what features to look for.

The best running apps have workout plans to help you figure out your ideal workout approach. These plans will help you maintain a stable schedule without burning out or risking injury.

You should also be able to set specific fitness goals and customize the app to suit your needs. Many of these apps are also suitable for other types of workouts, such as cycling, which is ideal for athletes who like to train in many different ways.

These are iPhone apps that work with most Apple Watch series, including the Apple Watch SE. If it comes with a dedicated watch face, even better. You also need to make sure the run-tracking app you choose works with Apple Health and gets regular updates with every iteration of WatchOS.