Best Running Apps?

[dotzero123]

Sorry if this has been posted before, but nothing came up on search. Any recommendations for best app for running with Apple Watch? I've tried Nike so far. It's not bad but wondering if there were any other apps worth trying. Also, how do they compare overall to just using the auto detect feature when running? Many thanks and Happy Holidays!

 

[StumpyBloke]

What about the built-in Workout app? Have you tried that?

 

[dotzero123]

Yes! Its what I'm using now. Just was wondering if I was missing anything w/ more customized apps. I'm a novice runner just wondering if there was something else I should try.

 

[StumpyBloke]

Yes! Its what I'm using now. Just was wondering if I was missing anything w/ more customized apps. I'm a novice runner just wondering if there was something else I should try.

No idea. I only use the built in app because it fully integrates. Am sure someone else will come along with a damned sight more knowledge than me

 

[maflynn]

How's the Nike App?

 

[millerj123]

I’ve been using Runkeeper for five years on my phone, and two paired with my Apple Watch. Do you want to run just with your watch?

Also, do you need stats, training hints, etc?

 

[CjGrey]

I used to use MapMyRun for a long time. Since I got my watch I use the workout app. The workout app integrates the best. I use mine for running all the time. Awesome to be able to head out with just my watch on. Later on down the road if I want to push my data to another app you can using RunGap.

 

[dotzero123]

I'm probably the slowest runner alive but have been trying to consistently do 2 - 4 miles in the am each day before work. It's not much, but I'm hoping to increase my running pace to a normal person's walking speed by spring. The Nike app was ok but I wasn't overly into it. The motivational speaker was like "you stink but you got out there anyway, sport" I like the integrated app but would like tips, stats, hints - anything to keep me motivated to slog my ol' butt out there each day and see if I make any progress. I figure trying to run is slightly better than settling on a walk, and walking is better than doing nothing.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

WorkOutDoors

 

[gsucyclist]

I can’t recommend WorkOutdoors enough. If you want an app that has provides tons of data like a Garmin then that is the app to get. It’s also updated with new features on a regular basis

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

I use,

Intervals
Workout App
Workoutdoors
Overcast for podcasts because the sync on the base app is wonky.

I’ve tried ismoothrun but I haven’t got behind it like some others here have. It went a little wonky on a run but I don’t know 100% if that was it’s fault or not.

RunGap to export to Garmin Connect as I haven’t 100% given up on my Fenix.

I haven’t tried the Nike stuff, Strava or runkeeper.

I’m looking for some metrics similar to what I get in the Garmin ecosystem, tried TrainingPeaks but they wanted more money than I thought it was worth so I’m still working on that part.

 

[PeytonT123]

I've used RunKeeper for years on my phone, just got a watch....wondering if RunKeeper, NikeRun, or the built in Workout app is the best?

 

[sharpimage]

I have been running for a year and have tried Nike+, Runkeeper and Strava watch apps. They all seem to have 'issues' compared to the built in workout app. Issues such as inaccurate mapping and integration with bluetooth HRM. I now only use the built in workout app. It has the best customisations (pace alerts, screen display etc), the most accurate mapping & works with bluetooth HRM. I then use "HealthFit" to export to Strava. Works perfect for me.

 

[dotzero123]

Thank you all for your advice! I'm going to try work outdoors and Strava.

 

[ftaok]

It really depends on what you want. If you want a dead simple running app that is accurate and easy to use, the stock app is unbeatable. But if you want to view that data in more detail, you're screwed, unless you use a 3rd party app to export that data to another service.

I use iSmoothRun because it has an excellent interface between the phone and the AW. Plus it can export directly to a large number of 3rd party services. I use SmashRun as the repository of all of my running data. I have about 7 years worth. You access the data via the web, which is something that Apple should consider.

 

[dotzero123]

Thank you!! Do most of you who are using the stock app let the watch pick up your run or do you program it in when you start?

 

[millerj123]

Thank you!! Do most of you who are using the stock app let the watch pick up your run or do you program it in when you start?

Start it as you head out. Always. It takes until your heart rate reaches a threshold before it automatically asks if you are working out.

 

[dotzero123]

Thanks! I've found that I need to stop when having the watch automatically pick up on my activity. Not as much fun to take gloves off and stop in the cold. I wasn't sure if it would be as "true" a reading if I started it first.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I second the recommendation for iSmoothRun. Extremely customizable, supports intervals custom workouts, and ongoing support.

It's the most Garmin-like of the watch apps I've tried if that's something you're looking for.

 

[PeytonT123]

No matter what you use though, there's an app called RunGap that can sync your runs to whatever other running apps you have. It's been nice for me while I'm switching between a few different apps on my watch, still deciding which one I like best.

 

[ftaok]

No matter what you use though, there's an app called RunGap that can sync your runs to whatever other running apps you have. It's been nice for me while I'm switching between a few different apps on my watch, still deciding which one I like best.

RunGap is very nice, but my one nit-pick is how it handles importing data from Apple's Health/Activities app. It grabs every workout, which includes walk, other (shoveling snow and mowing lawns), bike rides, elliptical) so RunGap screen gets filled with lots of irrelevant stuff. It wouldn't be so bad if the filtering and deleting of items were much easier.

I still give it top marks as it's the only app that I've found that shows "Similar Runs". That way I can easily filter all of the runs I have on my regular running route. It doesn't always find those runs perfectly, but it's close enough for a plumber.

 

[k0stelos]

guys sorry to post here if I'm off topic but are there any recommendations for a CrossFit training session? I m currently using the workouts app at HIIT training but the results I think are not consistent enough..

 

[john991]

RunGap is very nice, but my one nit-pick is how it handles importing data from Apple's Health/Activities app. It grabs every workout, which includes walk, other (shoveling snow and mowing lawns), bike rides, elliptical) so RunGap screen gets filled with lots of irrelevant stuff. It wouldn't be so bad if the filtering and deleting of items were much easier.

I still give it top marks as it's the only app that I've found that shows "Similar Runs". That way I can easily filter all of the runs I have on my regular running route. It doesn't always find those runs perfectly, but it's close enough for a plumber.

I use a combination of 3 apps, to give me what I want. I use the built in workout app, then use HealthFit to export the workout data to strava. This seems to work for me, as I’m a runner. Why not use 3rd party apps you ask? I had some issues and don’t trust them. I’ve lost data using the Nike app and wasn’t happy about it. So I use the built in workout app.

 

[PeytonT123]

One thing that has frustrated me though is that different apps have given me different paces. I use my watch with the built in workout app for a run, and it will give me one pace....use RunGap to upload that run's data to RunKeeper, and it will give me a different average pace, as much as 15 seconds difference.

 

[Akrapovic]

• Nike Run Club - visually impressive, but buggy. Does not support exporting to other services
• Strava - kinda "the standard" for anyone serious. But can import data from most other apps
• Apple Workout app - great, flexible and does the job

I personally would use the Apple Workout App and HealthFit to sync to any other service (such as Strava) that you wish to use. If the Nike app would support exporting data, then I'd use that because I love the visual style of the Nike app.

In fact, if anyone knows a running app that's as awesome looking as the Nike Run Club app, then let me know.