Tag: apps

Reviewing the Most Popular Apps in the Running World

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Runners are as bad as everyone else when it comes to technology – I should know, as I’m addicted too. Whether it’s the latest shoes, the cutting-edge trainers that will give you an extra few seconds of pace, a sports drink or a new wireless activity logger, sometimes it’s hard to resist.

Essential apps

Apps for your smartphone are yet another way to scratch your technology itch – but there are a few apps out there that I think are actually great tools for the modern runner. Here’s my pick of three of my favourites.

Strava

It’s all here – an app built with the professional runner in mind. Strava is a legend in the running world, and with good reason. It feels clear, well-designed and solid, and is a great way to set goals to suit you. Whether there is a time, distance, power or segment goal you want to beat, Strava makes it easy to track how you’re doing as you run.

Mapmyrun

One of the best-selling running apps out there, Mapmyrun allows you to plot routes and track pace, route, distance, calories and other key fitness indicators using your iPhone’s own technology. It’s hugely popular, with a loyal and connected community – 30 million people can’t be wrong.

Zombies, Run!

If ever you need a little more incentive when you’re out on your run, then this app might just do the trick. The idea is that you listen to a zombie-themed story on your headphones as you run in the real world – and that periodically you’ll then be ‘chased’ – with the chance that the zombies will catch you if you slow up. If having the undead hot on your heels sounds like your idea of fun, then this is the app for you.

Good luck!

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.

What Are The Best Running Apps?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

 

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

If you own a smartphone, you’ll know just how much of an integral part of our everyday lives they have become. For runners, they can also be an incredibly useful tool.

The built in sensors in a smartphone make it a great platform for a variety of running apps that can measure a variety of things. They can track your speed, distance travelled, calories burned and even map your route. These features get even better when paired with a run tracker or smartwatch.

However, there’s so many running apps to choose from these days that it can get a bit confusing. In this blog post I’ve put together some of the best apps on the market.

Runkeeper (Free on iOS and Android)

This app uses your phone’s GPS to track your running, hiking or other distance activities. Recording your pace, distance, total exercise time, calories burned and other useful metrics, it also allows you to take and tag photos on the go. You can either run your own route, or download and follow some popular routes in your area. The app will also sync with numerous other apps and services, and you’ll receive detailed reports of your tracked activity.

Strava (Free on iOS and Android)

Strava is well known amongst runners for being a top-notch tracker. This app adds some more competitive and gamified features to the standard running tracker apps on the market. Recording your running speed, distance travelled, time and course taken, Strava combines this with leader boards, achievements and challenges. As well as providing useful metrics and tracking, the app also has a social element as you can race against your friends – perfect for when you’re lacking motivation.

Runtastic (Free on iOS and Android with optional in-app purchases)

Using GPS to track and map your distance, Runtastic plots your route in real time. A personal exercise diary keeps track of your running metrics, and routes can also be viewed in a Google Earth-style view. It also has a configurable dashboard with detailed graphs of your exercise information. Progress can be shared over social networks, and there are numerous training plans in this neat app.

Adidas Train & Run (Free on iOS and Android)

This is definitely one for those of you who have other Adidas tracking devices. The app integrates tightly with the shoemaker’s exercise trackers, most notably the Fit Smart wristband. Once synced with the wristband, the Train & Run app tracks steps taken, calories burned and distance covered, as well as route tracking with your phone’s GPS. Post-run, you can also check out your zone training with the app’s coloured route mapping. The app comes with a variety of professionally designed training and exercise routines built for a variety of purposes, such as improving fitness or losing weight. The app also has voice coaching, and syncs well with other fitness apps and services including Strava.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya