We have compiled the best free running apps for hybrid athletes including which apps can track your pace and distance as you run, which offer free training plans, and the best ones to keep you motivated. With hundreds of apps on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to the only three you need if you are serious about running.
THE BEST FREE RUNNING APPS FOR HYBRID ATHLETES
Map My Run
For the runner who always gets lost.
This app is solid gold for the newbie runner. It has free training plans from 5k up to the marathon. If you don’t want to train for a race you can customize your own training program or set personal goals with their goal tracker. If you forget the route you created at home (see below) you can easily pull it up on the app.
The “Run” feature tracks your pace and distance as you run. This lets you use your phone as a GPS tracker instead of purchasing a fancy (expensive) running watch. If you pay for the upgraded version of the app you can activate “live tracking” so that friends and family can keep a safe eye on you while you are out running the streets.
Use a computer to map out your runs.
The desktop version of Map my Run has one of the most useful features in the history of running technology, especially for planning long runs. Just go to mapmyrun.com and create an account. Click on “create route” and it will pull up a map. Find your starting location by typing in the zip code. Then use the commands on the left to map out your run.
This allows you to create a route that is the exact distance you want to run so you don’t end up running a 27 mile loop when it was supposed to be a 15 mile run. You can also do this after your run to see how far you went. All things considered, this is probably the best free running apps for hybrid athletes.
Nike Run Club
For the lazy and the disorganized runner.
Even as a seasoned runner I revisit this app on my lazy days. NRC as it is called has the basic features like GPS tracking (real-time pace and distance), training plans and monthly distance challenges. What we love the most about this app are the guided runs- the key reason this is on our list of the best free running apps for hybrid athletes.
Once you are in the app go to the tab called “Guided Runs.” You will find hundreds of downloadable runs from 15 to 90 minutes. They have interval runs and runs for every trimester of pregnancy. When you press play on the run, a voiceover of a coach runs you through the entire workout- warm up, pacing, and mindset.
The coaches “come and go” throughout the entire run giving you tips and motivation. You can also link your music so that when the coaches stop talking you have some jams. One more secret treasure is the NRC playlist on Spotify that links to the app. I find the guided runs especially helpful for treadmill runs and interval runs. If you choose an interval run it will capture your pace, distance, time and heart rate. Amazing!
A portion of an interval run captured by one
of our athletes who is starting his running journey.
Strava.
For competitive runners and social butterflies.
Strava is the best app for those who are motivated by competition. First, upload a run in one of three ways: record a run via the real time tracking feature (tracks your distance, pace and route), by syncing your GPS watch, or by connecting with another app such as Peloton. Once your run is logged you will get statistics on your runs so you can see if you are trending faster or if you are losing fitness.
Strava then shows you how you stack up against other people who have run the same segments. First place is crowned KOM (or QOM) and that is a very big deal. If you aren’t the fastest in your town, no worries, you can become the Local Legend by running a certain segment more often than anyone else. You can follow real life friends or your favorite runners or cyclists. Like other social platforms, you can give kudos to a friend for a great run or leave a comment.
If you aren’t social, no worries. You can always dabble in Strava art to give yourself a fun challenge. Strava also has monthly challenges which are often sponsored by gear companies. When you complete a challenge they give you an discount code for gear or enter you in a drawing to win free stuff. The app can record tons of different workouts including running, cycling, boxing, and hiking, so if you want an all in one place to record your runs and cross training, Strava is a great choice.
Keep it simple.
You can start by choosing one app or by using all three. There is no one best app, but these are the best free running apps for hybrid athletes looking to up their running game. As always, if you are feeling overwhelmed our coaches are here to help you figure it out.
Let’s be friends! Comment your favorite app or your Strava handle!