Run Smarter: Top Running Apps to Set the Pace
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They say one of the hardest parts of running is deciding to start. If the approaching new year has you considering your 2025 resolutions, becoming more fit and healthy tends to top the list for many. In the world of fitness health, running is an excellent option for the variety of benefits it can provide, both physically and mentally.
Whether you are a beginner looking to become a habitual runner or are regularly passing the finish line in coordinated races, today’s runners have a variety of apps to choose from that can significantly enhance both their training and performance, in addition to data tracking to easily reference past runs, progress, statistics and more.
Read on for the Victra team’s top running apps to set the pace for runners as they utilize the latest smartphone and wearable technology in their journey to run smarter.
Couch to 5K (C25K)
Tailored for beginners who have never run before or those who are currently inactive looking to increase their fitness level to eventually run a 5K, the Couch to 5K (C25K) app offers a structured, progressive running plan that gradually builds a runner’s stamina while also avoiding injury. The nine-week, goal-oriented program outlines three weekly workouts lasting between 20 to 40 minutes with a combination of both running and walking. While the overall focus is on timing and building endurance rather than distance, audio cues guide the workout, letting runners know when to begin running, walking or cooling down. In addition, C25K allows runners to sync their music to play throughout the workout, as well as features GPS tracking, pace and distance.
ASICS Runkeeper
More casual runners might prefer the Runkeeper app for its easy-to-use interface and individualized running plans. Runkeeper offers flexible training plans, guided workouts and advanced insights including GPS tracking, distance, time, pace and running-route suggestions. The app also makes it easy for runners to find local races to participate in.
Pacer
Pacer is another excellent walking and running app option for beginners with its easy-to-use, straightforward interface for tracking basic walking and running metrics to get users closer to their daily step goal. Pacer users enjoy access to GPS, distance logging and step challenges, in addition to step counting and calorie tracking.
Strava
While running is traditionally a solitary activity, the Strava app makes it easy for both runners and cyclists to share their progress with fellow runners and friends, as well as compete in challenges and share activity photos. Other standout features of the Strava app include GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring (with compatible devices), pace, distance, elevation, social sharing, challenges and leaderboards.
Nike Run Club
Another popular app, Nike Run Club (NRC) offers structured training plans and motivation for runners of all levels with the support of a large Nike runners’ community. Aimed at not only getting beginners to run but to also keep them running, key features of the NRC app include GPS tracking, audio-guided runs, motivational badges, personalized coaching plans and seamless integration with Apple Music.
Map My Run
Map My Run by Outside is another capable running app. Best catered to runners seeking detailed metrics to achieve their goals, as well as the option to track various types of workouts beyond running, Map My Run offers GPS tracking, distance, time and even running-route suggestions. Additionally, Map My Run syncs with a multitude of fitness devices and features training plans for all levels of runners.
Garmin Connect
Best known for GPS-enabled devices, Garmin Connect is a go-to app for serious runners using Garmin watches who want detailed performance analytics. In addition to offering structured training plans and expert insights for improved performance, Garmin Connect also syncs with Garmin devices for detailed metrics including run tracking, pace, heart rate and cadence, to name a few.
Adidas Running (Runtastic)
A unique feature, the Adidas Running app includes a “Story Run” feature for runners to enjoy immersive running experiences. Of course, the app also includes GPS tracking, as well as personalized coaching, running analytics, audio cues and feedback and social features. Adidas Running is perfect for runners who are seeking a blend of fitness tracking paired with storytelling to keep them further engaged.
Pumatrac
Runners seeking an engaging experience through their running app also have Pumatrac as an option. In addition to an engaging user experience, Pumatrac provides training programs from world-class trainers, as well as data-driven insights and performance statistics based on pace, distance, time and total calories burned.
Zwift
Whether running is weather permitting or if a runner simply prefers to workout inside rather than outside, the Zwift app offers a gamified experience and connects runners who want to train indoors with an active virtual community. Zwift is compatible with a variety of treadmills, with the option to add a supported running sensor, foot pod, smart shoe or smartwatch to make virtually any treadmill run trackable. In addition to traditional GPS tracking and health metric logging, Zwift also includes social features and virtual races for added motivation.
Top Tech for Runners of All Levels are
Naturally, the top running apps can only perform at their best best through the latest wearable tech – available through Victra. Offering a full range of wireless devices from the top providers including Apple, Samsung and Google, Victra offers the newest wearable tech supported by Verizon and its reliable 5G network.
For Apple users, the newly released Apple Watch Series 10 features the thinnest Apple Watch design with the biggest, most advanced screen yet. The new Apple Watch Series 10 features an entirely re-engineered SiP, Digital Crown, speaker, front crystal and antenna, as well as the first Apple wide-angle OLED Display to make it easier to read the brighter display from any angle for a more seamless “quick glance.” The newest Apple Watch also comes in a new color, Jet Black aluminum, and offers newly advanced sensors for additional health insights to include sleep tracking.
Another wearable tech option for runners is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which starts each day with a daily score that calculates a user’s physical readiness based on the previous day’s metrics including sleep, heart and steps. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra also features more precise heart-rate tracking during workouts to filter out physical body movements, as well as an enhanced sleep tracker capable of detecting moderate to severe sleep apnea.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is also a popular choice for its bigger, brighter and ultra-responsive cutting-edge Actua display. Thanks to advanced running features from Fitbit, runners can focus on beating their best times, in addition to enjoying all-new readiness and cardio load tracking to balance rest days.
Make 2025’s New Year’s resolutions stick with the best apps for runners and the latest wearable tech available from Victra. All apps are available on both Google Play and the App Store, with premium content available for purchase. To learn more, visit www.Victra.com.
is a skilled Web Developer and Designer. He builds and designs websites that focus on best UI/UX practices. Justin is also a Verizon Product Expert at Victra, helping customers with Verizon products and services. His mix of design, coding, product, and general knowledge makes him a valuable and knowledgeable team member.
