Running apps can be a useful tool for beginners, especially those that track your progress, Norris says. With the touch of a button, you're able to see how much you're currently running each week — and how those stats compare to when you first started — how your pace has improved, and other metrics, she notes. "I think that's really helpful for beginners because it can be hard in the day-to-day to see progress," Norris says. "Being able to use an app keeping track of everything lets you look back, see that progress, and know that the work is working."
Some running apps also offer guided training sessions for beginners, which can be helpful if you find yourself losing track of your interval time. Just remember these guided runs aren't personalized to you and your unique needs. "Really keep in mind how your body feels — I think that's more important, ultimately, than following exactly what those apps are going to tell you to do," Sekely says. "Be flexible in your program, and modify it if need be."
Here are a few running apps to consider downloading if you're a running newbie:
- Strava: This activity app tracks stats such as distance, duration, and elevation gain during each of your runs, connects you with other athletes for a motivation boost, and offers route recommendations.
- Runkeeper: Along with tracking metrics such as time, miles, current pace, and average pace, this running app offers training plans and guided workouts for every experience level and goal (think: 5K participants, beginner runners, etc.)
- Peloton: Even if you don't own a Peloton treadmill, you can use the brand's app for video or audio interval and speed running workouts, which are accompanied by curated playlists. The app also features guided training programs that are four to 18 weeks long.
- Nike Run Club: Nike Run Club records your pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate, and mile splits and offers guided runs that lead you through short, long, and interval-based workouts.
