Running is one of the cheapest forms of exercise you can do. You can literally step outdoors and just start running. Many apps are available to enhance your running regimen. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best apps for getting the most out of your cardio.
1. C25K (Free)
The couch to 5k program is one that has worked for many runners. Working on the basis of gradually increasing what you do each time you run, it’s great for any ability, even if you’ve never run before. The official app sets you up with the program, encouraging you to participate for 30 minutes a day, three days a week, for 8 weeks in total. Compatible with all music and GPS apps, it’s an ideal way to keep track of your progress.
2. Zombies, Run! (Free)
One of those people who say they’ll only run if being chased? Now’s your chance! Telling a story of a zombie based apocalypse, Zombies, Run! has you participating in a series of walks, jogs or runs as the story unfolds. You’ll find yourself ‘retrieving’ supplies and furthering the story each literal step of the way. It’s great encouragement.
3. RunKeeper (Free) 
An all round solution, RunKeeper will track runs, walks, jogs and more. You can use it to set goals, follow a personalized routine or join challenges with your friends. Tracking every single thing you do, it’s perfect for seeing how your performance gradually improves the longer you work out. It’ll hook up to all major fitness trackers, as well as the Apple Watch.
4. Map My Run (Free)
Offering audio feedback for every run you take, Map My Run also does what it says. It maps your route, while also giving you suggestions for other nearby places to run. Analyzing each step of the way, it’ll keep an eye on your pace, distance, duration, as well as elevation and calorie burn. There’s extensive support for various wearables too.
Endomondo will track over 40 sports, including running and walking. You can use it to keep a full training log, seeing how much you exercise each day. All the usual things are tracked, with it possible to add a goal or challenge to work towards. You can tag your friends into things, as well as check out their news feeds to see how they’re performing too.
Runtastic has a few tricks up its sleeve alongside more conventional tracking features. It’ll keep track of the mileage on your running shoes, giving you a heads up when it’s time to get a new pair. Alongside that, you can set a running goal for the entire year, keeping you motivated on track at all times. Live tracking and ‘cheering’ will keep you keen, as your friends encourage you to go further.
Strava offers extensive leaderboard functionality, as well as monthly challenges, all there to keep you motivated. You can follow your friends, motivating them through kudos and comments. A premium subscription gives you weekly mileage goals, as well as filtered leaderboards according to age and weight. You can share photos of your runs too.
The official Nike app is great thanks to its personalised coaching plans that’ll adapt to your schedule and ability levels. You can gain motivation from famous Nike athletes, and also share some support with friends. The idea is that it’s a global running club, and it works pretty well.
RunGo helps you find new running routes wherever you are in the world. By crowdsourcing suggestions, you’ll always have a great route to pursue, that’s the exact length of time you require. There’s the choice of making your own routes too, backed up with turn by turn voice directions. You won’t have to worry about getting lost again.
Want to raise money while you run? Charity Miles enables you to earn up to 25 cents per mile for a charity of your choice. It works with many well known charities such as the Michael J Fox Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund, and Stand Up To Cancer. You can track your run, as well as how you’ve helped someone.-
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