All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
Has the lockdown given you a sudden urge to get out and get fit? Even I (the world’s laziest exerciser) has found a newfound pre-work routine which involves a morning run. I’m only in week two but already feeling the benefits - a clearer head, more energy and less disturbed sleeping patterns, all whilst kick-starting my metabolism for the day. Of course, keeping up the motivation can be challenging but there are heaps of intuitive running apps for beginners to help you get those miles in. From tracking distance, heart rate and calorie burns that will give you the momentum to keep going, to extra features such as mindfulness runs and curated playlists that make your new habit a more pleasant experience, here’s our roundup of the best.
Nike Run Club
You know those people who annoyed you with their daily ‘Look what I did while you were sleeping’ running maps on Instagram? They were probably using the Nike + Run Club app - and you too, will get just as addicted. This app does more than just the basic tracking, there’s extra coaching features like the end-of-run cheers from top athletes, an audio coach that will help guide you along the way as well as a ‘Run with Headspace’ feature that gets you to take in your surroundings as you go.
Couch-to-5k
We do love an app that does what it says and NHS-approved Couch-to-5k really will help transform you from a couch potato to a runner within weeks. It’s all about building up your strength gradually so you’ll start with three 30-minute workouts per week to get you ready for a 3.1-mile race nine weeks later. It will keep track of your time and distance, while a virtual coach will be on hand to give you verbal cues about your workout.
Runkeeper
This Asics-developed running app is great for keeping you challenged, setting targets to help you achieve your goals. If you’re someone who would prefer running with a group but with the social distancing rules, is unable to, you can find virtual running groups here. The app uses GPS to track running distance and keep tabs on your running distances and average pace so you can compare your stats over time.
Human
This app tracks your activity levels all day so helps to inspire you to move more and reach a 30-minute activity goal daily. It’s great for those who need a little more nudging (ie. most of us). The great thing about Human is that you can see how your levels of activity match up with locals in your area and all over the world, with real-time rankings in 900 cities. If anything, it will bring out every inch of your competitiveness.
Pacer
For total running beginners, Pacer is a great way to get you thinking more about your steps and a launching point into starting to jog and run. Similarly to Human, Pace logs your steps all day to give you an honest breakdown of your activity levels. It also tracks runs using GPS and enables you to join group challenges with your friends (you might not be able to be with them, but you can run against them!)
MapMyRun
This is another super popular running app for beginners mostly because it has heaps of running routes in different cities and for the sharing abilities where you can set and complete challenges with friends and family. You’ll be able to discover new running trails you’ve never done before which will keep you interested or you can create your own route before you take off.
