Let’s face it: no matter how motivated you’re to strap up and hit your favourite tracks running, there are days when you’re not just up for it. And those days can become more common if there’s no one or nothing to give you that extra push. Which is why running apps are important.

One study showed that people who used fitness apps were more active and had a lower body mass index compared to nonusers and past users. This should come as no surprise: having a clear and accurate representation of everything you have achieved is enough to push you to do more.

If you’ve never used them but are looking to get started with one with no financial commitment, here are some really good free running apps to consider

The Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club is complete with personalized coaching plans and a community feed where you can publish (and customize) pictures of your running experience, compete with friends on leaderboards, and run without your phone if you have an Apple Watch.

Just like the old version, it records your pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate, and mile splits so you always know your numbers.

Runkeeper

Developed by ASICS, Runkeeper is dedicated to keeping the details of your runs in your hands. The free running app records your pace, distance, total exercise time, calories burned, and other useful metrics. It also allows you to take and tag pictures on the go to use as route inspiration and sharing for the future. Additionally, the app syncs with other apps to create detailed reports of your activity that you can share with your social network.

Adidas Running by Runtastic

Following an acquisition in 2015, the Runtastic app evolved into the Adidas Running by Runtastic. Not only will the app show you the normal stats like average pace, speed, calories burned etc, but it makes progression possible and connects you to a community that will help push you forward towards your running goal(s).

There is also a paid version that gives you access to more premium features.

Strava

This app tracks distance, pace, speed, elevation, and calories burned—and has sparked countless competitions between runners and cyclists alike. With the “Challenges” and “King/Queen of the Mountain” features, average joes can claim the title of fastest known time on a route or ascent—and win bragging rights over everyone else who’s run that specific route.

Map My Run

The OG route tracker, Map My Run was given a major interface upgrade after Under Armour bought the platform in 2013. It’s free and can guide you on a route no matter where you are. Perfect for runners who travel often, Map My Run offers thousands of routes in cities across the world—often logged and rated by runners local to the area. Additionally, the app will store up to 600 of your favourite personal routes, so you can easily cue one up when motivation is low.

All these free running apps are available to download on your phone’s app store

Source: Men’s Journal