From diet plans to membership at the local gym, the coming spring brings a whole new set of get-fit resolves. If your fitness goals this spring include running, read on because you’re in for a treat.
Running is all about slipping on a pair of sneakers and finding a track you can run on. But getting motivated? That’s a different story.
With a little support from the tech world, it gets easier. If you want to try out new routes, run a little faster, train for a marathon, or shed some of that extra winter weight, there are plenty of apps to help.
Our 5 top picks:
Get Running
Perfect for the couch potato, Get Running is targeted to the ‘I’d rather stay at home’ runner. Your ‘coach’ is on hand to motivate, encourage and help build your pace until you can run for a full 30 minutes without stopping. You can also publish your running updates on social networking channels and connect with other runners. Get it for $2.99.
Run Coach
When an app is designed by Olympic athletes, you can trust it’ll be golden (think iron man meets Donald Trump). Run Coach is goal oriented and allows you to track your progress through detailed reports and feedback. Its hard edges are sweetened with GPS map tracking, diet and training tips, and a progress bar. All for the winning price of $2.99.
Interval Run
If you’re a beginner runner or want to take up running after an injury, the Interval Run app helps get you started. Your own little doctor, it tells you when to switch from walking to running and you can set and change intervals. It also features inbuilt running programs. Available for $1.99.
Adidas miCoach
This comes with an audible coaching feature, which is great for those who cannot self-motivate. It allows you to select your training plan based on your speed and endurance. You can track and share your progress, distance, pace, calories burned and total workout time. The added bonus? It’s free to download.
Smart Runner
Like its moniker, this smart app lets you monitor speed and distance, caloric output, and activity data. You can use it for multiple sports like swimming and cycling. Running alone? Connect with other ‘sole-mates’ via the Smart Runner website. Also free with available pay-for upgrades.
Happy trails to you.
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Written by Usha Silva.