Running Apps to Try

Whether you want to plot new running courses, track your progress, find a race near you or get some instant motivation, there's an app for that. In fact, there are hundreds of apps that promise to meet all your running wants and needs. I weeded through a fair amount of them to come up with a solid list of ones that, depending your needs, might be worth giving a spin.

This list of apps to try is by no means exhaustive, but it's a good starting point. I'd also be interested to hear which apps you think enhance your running, and which ones aren't worth the time they take to download, so feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post.

RunKeeper
This handy app is probably my favorite out there. Using the GPS in your iPhone to track distance, time, pace and the path you took, RunKeeper makes a great alternative to some other pricier GPS watches, and you can still listen to music while tracking your activity. However, it does seem that doing both really drains the battery life. While this could simply be my phone, I noticed a fair amount of similar complaints in this app's reviews. It's worth noting that there are also some complaints about the accuracy of the GPS. The basic RunKeeper is free, but spring for the $9.99 "Pro" version to get audio updates on your pace.

Runmeter
What's so great about the Runmeter ($4.99), which uses the iPhone's GPS to track your running routes and stores your distance, pace and elevation, is that you can start and stop the stopwatch by using your earbud controls instead of trying to fuss with your iPhone. You also get voiceover announcements which tell you your distance and pace while you're running (and this feature comes at half the price of the RunKeeper Pro).

RaceYourWorld
This free app is all about personal bests. Mid-run it can offer up your current time and whether you're going faster or slower than previous runs. I like the idea of this app, but you have to look at the screen if you want to know how ahead -- or behind -- you are while you're still running. If you only care how you did at the end your run, then it works great. One promising feature of this app that isn't up and running yet, is its "global challenges," in which users can compete in a range of distances with people around the world. Stay tuned for that.

Fitnio
What I like most about Fitnio ($1.99), which is essentially a pared down version of RunKeeper that tracks distance, time and calories burned, is that is has an emergency button that will dial up a pre-programmed number.

Can Do 26.2
It's pretty easy to find info on the bigger marathons in the country, but the lesser known, more obscure ones can easily pass you by because they lack the big bucks to advertise. This app gives you a list of marathons by date and location, gives you a breakdown of registration fees and tells you whether it's a Boston Qualifier -- all for only 99 cents.

Run Coach
I don't think one training plan fits everyone, but if you're aiming to run a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon and need a place to start, this is a good option for you. At 99 cents, it offers a variety of plans and allows you track your progress.

iMapMyRun
If you're a fan of the Web site MapMyRun, like I am, you'll appreciate their free app designed to complement the site. The GPS maps your running routes and log your workouts and has a handy reminder about changing your shoes. If you don't use their Web site, don't bother with the app, since it's not great on its own.

What iPhone apps do you love or hate? Let us know in the comments.

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